Ogun State Governor Condoles Kano Over Death of Athletes, Pledges ₦1 Million Each to Families and Survivors

In a show of solidarity and national compassion, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano State following the tragic loss of 22 members of Team Kano in a fatal road crash while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), hosted by Ogun State.

The condolence message was delivered earlier today in Kano by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who led a delegation of senior Ogun officials to the Kano Government House.

The delegation was received by Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalaam Gwarzo, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

In a statement shared after the visit, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele said: “Earlier today, I led a delegation of Ogun State officials to deliver a condolence letter from our Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the tragic loss suffered by their contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.”Governor Abiodun, in his letter, expressed deep sadness over the deaths of the athletes and coaches, who were returning home after representing Kano with distinction.

“His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed deep sorrow over the fatal accident that claimed the lives of 22 young athletes and coaches, just 50km from home as they returned from the National Sports Festival where Team Kano had performed brilliantly. Nine other members remain in hospital, and we pray for their swift and full recovery,” the message read.He described the victims as: “Ambassadors of hope, unity, and the vibrant spirit of youth that defines our greatness as a nation.

”As a mark of sympathy, Governor Abiodun announced a donation of ₦1 million to the family of each deceased and ₦1 million to each survivor still receiving medical care.

The Kano Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun and the people of Ogun State for the visit and support in this difficult moment.

He noted that the gesture showed a deep sense of national unity and brotherhood.

Governor Abiodun also praised emergency responders for their “prompt and courageous response” to the accident, which took place in Dakatsalle town, about 50 kilometres from Kano city.

Background: A Journey Cut Short

The accident occurred on Saturday as the Kano contingent returned home from the National Sports Festival, which had just concluded in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The team had delivered a strong performance, finishing 13th overall with six gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

According to the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, 30 individuals were on the vehicle when it crashed. Nineteen people were confirmed dead at the scene, while several others sustained injuries.

Among the deceased were athletes, officials, a journalist, and a photographer. The bodies were deposited at the Nasarawa Specialist Hospital, and those injured were taken to Kura General Hospital and other nearby facilities for urgent treatment.Authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Nationwide Mourning and Support

The Kano State Government had earlier declared Monday a public holiday to mourn the victims. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also approved ₦1 million and food items for each affected family.

His Deputy, visibly shaken, visited the hospital morgue and met with grieving relatives.The tragedy has drawn national attention, with messages of condolence and calls for proper recognition of the athletes’ service pouring in from across the country.

Former Senator Shehu Sani has called for streets to be named after the victims and for a memorial to be built at the site of the crash.

As Nigeria reflects on this painful loss, the show of solidarity from Ogun State stands as a reminder of the shared values of unity, empathy, and national pride that bind its people together—especially in times of grief. “May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the departed Al-Jannah Firdaus and give strength to their families, the Government, and the people of Kano State. Ameen,” Governor Abiodun concluded in his message.