Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has dispatched a high-powered delegation to Kano State to express condolences over the tragic death of 20 Kano athletes and officials in a fatal road accident while returning from the recently concluded Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
The delegation, led by Ogun Deputy Governor Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele and including key sports and government officials, arrived in Kano to sympathize with the Kano government and families affected by the disaster. Governor Abiodun also provided an initial financial support of N1 million each to the families of the 31 victims, totaling N31 million.
The accident occurred on May 31, 2025, near the Daka Tsalle bridge on the Kano-Zaria expressway, claiming the lives of 20 athletes and leaving several others injured. The Kano contingent had just returned from the National Sports Festival where they had proudly represented their state.
Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele conveyed Governor Abiodun’s profound sorrow, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families. The Kano Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the support.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently on Hajj, declared a public holiday to honor the memory of the deceased athletes and called for prayers for the victims and their families.
President Bola Tinubu, along with both state governors, also mourned the loss, describing it as a devastating blow to the nation and urging improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This tragedy has cast a shadow over the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, a celebration of youth and sportsmanship, underscoring the need for enhanced transportation safety for athletes across Nigeria.
