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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Chief Executive Officer of the Maikaya Development Foundation, Alhaji Muhammed Musa Maikaya, has commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his role in fostering peace and unity across communities, describing the prevailing harmony in Toto Local Government Area as the foundation upon which development can thrive.
Maikaya made the remarks on Thursday, January 1, 2026, during the final of the sixth edition of the Maikaya Foundation Grassroots Football Tournament held in Toto, his hometown.
According to him, the tournament aligns with the core objectives of the Maikaya Development Foundation, which include promoting unity, encouraging peaceful coexistence and empowering youths through sports.
“This is in line with the cardinal objectives of the Maikaya Development Foundation entrenching unity among our people and helping the youth to hone their skills,” Maikaya said. “We all know the role football plays in the lives of our youth today, particularly here in Toto Local Government.”
He recalled that Toto LGA was once plagued by ethnic tensions that made coexistence difficult, but noted that the situation has changed significantly due to deliberate leadership actions.
“We are lucky to have a pragmatic governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, who did all he could to ensure that every tribe lives in harmony with one another,” he said.
“We are also fortunate to have a local government chairman who understands the situation and has ensured that peace and harmony are entrenched in Toto.”
Maikaya stressed that peace remains the bedrock of development, adding that non-governmental organisations must complement government efforts in sustaining harmony.
“As an NGO, we feel this is something we should support. You can see the crowd here today, people jubilating together irrespective of tribe or religion. Some groups that were not even present in this local government a few years ago are now here, celebrating together. This is what we want to achieve, happiness together, growth together and stability among our people,” he said.
He explained that beyond unity, the tournament also serves as a platform for talent discovery and youth empowerment, noting that football scouts were present at the event.
“This is an opportunity for those who love football. Scouts are here watching the players, and some of them may be recruited to bigger teams or invited for trials,” Maikaya said, adding that participants from previous editions have gone on to join feeder teams, including Nasarawa United.
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Maikaya further disclosed that the foundation plans to expand the initiative to other parts of the state, citing its success in using sports to resolve communal tensions.
“In places like Keffi Local Government Area, communities that had not lived together peacefully for many years were brought together through this football tournament. Today, they are living and working together, and that gives us joy. We intend to expand this initiative as far as we can,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Hon. Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, said the football tournament has been in existence for over a decade and has become a major annual event in the area.
“This tournament has been running for more than ten years and holds every first of January. People come from far and near to witness it,” he said. “It has helped to unify the youth and curb idleness, which could otherwise lead to social vices.”
Yahaya said peace in Toto LGA is evident in the level of development now taking place across communities.
“Peace has been restored in Toto Local Government. You can see people from all tribes here today, and development is visible. Buildings are springing up everywhere. Without peace, none of this would be possible,” he added.
Also speaking, Hajia Maryam Ibrahim, a supporter of the Maikaya Foundation, applauded the consistency of the initiative, noting that the tournament has now reached its sixth edition.
The event also featured a partnership between the Maikaya Development Foundation and the Hadiza Foundation, which distributed empowerment items to women in the community, including sewing machines, hairdressing equipment and vulcanising machines.
Speaking on behalf of the Hadiza Foundation, its Chief Operating Officer said the intervention was aimed at job creation and poverty reduction.
“Our founder, Ambassador Dr. Hadiza M. Omar, believes the government cannot do it alone, which is why we are empowering people to be able to provide for themselves,” she said.
The programme was enlivened by cultural displays from various ethnic groups, including Gbagyi, Nupe and Igbira, showcasing their traditional attire and dances.
The final match ended in a 3–2 penalty shootout victory for Adaudu community, which emerged champions of the sixth edition of the tournament.
