Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has approved the immediate construction of five mini-sports centres in Toto, Keffi, Kokona, Wamba and Doma Local Government Areas.

The governor announced the approval on Saturday at the grand finale of the maiden Matawalle Empowerment and Development Foundation Grassroots Football Tournament held at the Pilot Primary School Football Pitch in Toto.

The tournament was organized to mark the 53rd birthday of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Shuaibu Magaji Labaran.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sule said he was impressed with the talent displayed by the players despite the poor condition of the pitch.

“Looking at the condition of this pitch, both teams were able to display exceptional talent. I know if we give them the Lafia City Stadium, they would do far better,” he said.

“I feel bad about the pitch’s condition, and seeing how passionate you people are about football. It will definitely be a shame if we don’t have a mini stadium here in Toto.”

The governor disclosed that contracts for the five projects will be signed and sealed on Monday, despite his scheduled official travel during the week.

“These are mini-stadiums that we have already lined up, but we didn’t have the resources to start them. But today, the people of Toto Local Government Area, with the multitude of spectators here, have forced the resources out of us,” Sule added.

“We shall go into our savings and bring out the needed resources because of Toto and the SSG, Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, for what he has done.”

Governor Sule described the approval as a fulfilment of an earlier promise and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to talent discovery and sports development across the state.