Gov. Abdullahi Sule has congratulated the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State (SSG), Dr Labaran Magaji, on his 53rd birthday, commending his humanitarian initiatives and contributions to the development of Toto Local Government Area.
Sule gave the commendation on Friday at the grand finale of an inter-ward football competition organised to mark Magaji’s birthday in Toto.
The governor specifically praised Magaji, popularly known as Matawalle Toto, for renovating the Divisional Police Headquarters in Toto and empowering 3,000 women and youths to improve their livelihoods.
He also congratulated Elephant FC of Toto Ward for emerging winners of the football tournament organised by Magaji and announced a cash prize of N5 million for the team.
Sule awarded N3 million to runners-up Ugya FC and N2 million to match officials.
The governor further announced the construction of a mini stadium in Toto, saying the people’s passion for football and support for his administration warranted improved sporting facilities.
He also disclosed plans to construct similar mini stadia in Wamba, Keffi, Doma and Kokona Local Government Areas to promote grassroots sports development.
“Toto loves football, and we will build you a stadium. Today’s event has given me the opportunity to see this field, and I have realised that the people deserve better facilities because of their love for the game,” he said.
Sule also updated residents on ongoing infrastructure projects, saying the Umaisha-Toto road was nearing completion, with contractors expected to deliver the project within 90 days.
He added that work was progressing on another road project in the area and assured residents that government would ensure the completion of the ongoing landscaping of the Toto market.
The governor urged the people of Toto to continue supporting one another and the state government, assuring them of more government presence and infrastructure development.
In separate remarks, Mr Sani Otto, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Mr Aminu Maifata, Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Office of the SSG, Mr Mohammed Idde, as well as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Hadiza Dahiru, congratulated Magaji and described him as a selfless and exemplary leader.
The report states that activities marking the SSG’s 53rd birthday also included the award of scholarships to 1,000 indigent students, the empowerment of 3,000 women and youths.
The governor also inaugurated the renovated Divisional Police Headquarters in Toto by the Matawalle Empowerment and Development Foundation.