The Kano State government has offered a N1 million donation to each of the families of the 21 athletes and officials who d!ed in a tragic motor accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
While expressing sadness over their loss, the deputy governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who led a government delegation on a condolence visit to Nasarawa Hospital, where the bodies of most of the deceased were deposited.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf, Gwarzo described the incident as a monumental loss to the state and the entire nation.
“This is one of the saddest days in the history of our sports community. These young, dedicated individuals had represented Kano with pride and distinction. Some of them were even returning with medals—symbols of their hard work and patriotism. To lose them this way, so close to home, is a deep wound to us all.”
The deceased persons include Ibrahim Galadima, the spokesman of the Kano State Sports Commission; Bilal Ahmad Salisu, a team photographer; drivers, medical personnel and members of the kickboxing and wrestling teams, including coaches and secretaries.
As part of immediate relief efforts, the government also pledged to distribute food items and other essential materials to the grieving families.
Governor Yusuf has also ordered that all injured survivors receive full medical attention at the state’s expense.
