The Kano State Government has announced a financial assistance package of ₦1 million for each family of the 22 young athletes who lost their lives in a tragic road accident while returning from the 2025 National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Similarly, Ogun State’s Governor Dapo Abiodun has donated the sum of N1 million each to families of 22 Kano State athletes and officials.
Ogun hosted the recently-concluded National Sports Festival dubbed ‘Gateway Games 2024′ in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from which the victims were returning before the fatal crash.
Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo made the announcement on Saturday during a condolence visit to the Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, where the remains of the deceased athletes were deposited.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Gwarzo described the incident as a painful loss not only for Kano State but for the nation as a whole.
“It is a very sad day for us in Kano and the entire country. These young men were returning from a national assignment, having proudly represented Kano. Some were even coming back with gold medals. Sadly, their lives were cut short so close to home,” Gwarzo said.
The ill-fated athletes were part of Kano’s contingent to the prestigious National Sports Festival, an event designed to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment through sports. In addition to the financial support, the state government also pledged to provide food items and relief materials to help ease the burden on the affected families.
According to Gwarzo, 20 of the victims have so far been identified at the hospital, while two others were taken home for burial by their families.
He added that Governor Yusuf had directed the state to fully stand by the bereaved families and ensure the injured receive prompt and quality medical care.
The Deputy Governor also visited the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where seven injured athletes are currently being treated.
He sympathized with the survivors, assuring them of the government’s unwavering commitment to their recovery and welfare.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” Gwarzo prayed.
As families prepared for burial rites, the state government reaffirmed its promise to provide long-term support for those affected, pledging to stand by them through the difficult journey of healing and recovery.
Ogun State’s donation was delivered on Sunday by a delegation from Ogun State, led by the State’s Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who visited Kano to commiserate with the bereaved families on behalf of Governor Abiodun.
Other members of the delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka; and Executive Secretary of the Games’ Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Kweku Tandoh.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Governor said the gesture was a token of the governor’s compassion and support for the grieving families and the people of Kano State.
The delegation also commended emergency responders for their swift action during the incident and extended prayers for the convalescing survivors.
