Enough of Ceremonies, Give Toto Development — Stakeholders Tell Gov Sule
Residents of Toto Local Government Area have urged the Nasarawa State Government to convert ceremonial visits into lasting development, saying the community deserves more than appearances and social events.
Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule is expected in Toto to celebrate the birthday of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and to attend the final of a local football competition.
But community leaders say the visit offers an important opportunity for the governor to address long-standing development needs in the area.
The football final will be played on the field where Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi — the member representing Toto/Gadabuke Constituency, popularly known as Iyan Toto — proposed and helped facilitate construction of a mini stadium to empower youths and promote sports.
Sources say the governor’s approval file for the mini stadium has remained on his desk for nearly two years without executive assent.
Similarly, a Higher Institution Bill sponsored by Hon. Isimbabi and transmitted for approval on May 6, 2026, is still awaiting the governor’s signature.
While several projects have been commissioned in other parts of Nasarawa State, stakeholders say Toto LGA continues to wait for major government-backed infrastructure.
Residents are calling for investments in sports facilities and educational institutions to tap the potential of the area’s growing youth population.
“Our youths need infrastructure, not just events. Our people need institutions, not just matches,” a community source said.
While welcoming Governor Sule’s visit, residents appealed for concrete actions that will leave a lasting impact on the community.
They urged the governor to approve the mini stadium project and assent to the Higher Institution Bill, describing both as transformational initiatives for Toto LGA.
Stakeholders praised Hon. Isimbabi for his legislative efforts, saying he has fulfilled his responsibilities through sponsorship, facilitation and consistent follow-up, and they urged the executive arm to take the next decisive step.
For many residents, the hope is that the field hosting today’s celebratory match will become a modern stadium that nurtures champions and inspires future generations.
