In the wake of Saturday’s tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 21 athletes and officials from Kano State, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended condolences and offered N31 million in support to the bereaved families.
Governor Abiodun, currently on Hajj, dispatched a high-powered delegation to Kano on Sunday, led by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, to deliver his message of sympathy and solidarity. Each family of the 31 victims will receive N1 million as initial assistance.
The accident victims, members of Team Kano, were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, held in Abeokuta, when their bus crashed near Gadar Yankifi along the Kaduna-Kano expressway.
The delegation was received in Kano by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo and other top government officials. Governor Abiodun’s representatives included Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, Commissioner for Sports Wasiu Isiaka, Executive Secretary of the Games LOC Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and other key stakeholders in Ogun sports.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Salako-Oyedele expressed profound grief over the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to Kano State and the Nigerian sports community.
“This is a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community, and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident,” she said. “We pray that this kind of tragedy never happens again and that Allah grants the deceased Aljanat Firdaus.”
She also expressed gratitude to first responders, including the FRSC and police, for their swift intervention at the scene of the crash and prayed for the quick recovery of survivors.
In his response, Kano State Deputy Governor Gwarzo conveyed appreciation to Governor Abiodun and the people of Ogun State for their compassion and support during this difficult time. He confirmed that Abiodun had earlier called personally to commiserate with the state.
The fatal crash has drawn national attention and sympathy, with President Bola Tinubu and other top political and sports figures mourning the athletes and calling for improved safety measures for sports delegations.
The visit from Ogun officials is among the first formal gestures of solidarity from outside the state, coming just two days after the close of the sports festival.
