OGUN STATE DELEGATION VISITS KANO, DONATES N1M TO FAMILIES OF ATHLETES KILLED IN TRAGIC CRASH

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Ogun State Government has extended its condolences and financial support to the grieving families of the 22 athletes who died in a devastating road accident in Kano State.

Led by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, a high-level delegation from Ogun arrived in Kano on Monday to express solidarity with the government and people of the state. Salako-Oyedele conveyed the heartfelt sympathy of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is currently on Hajj, and announced a donation of N1 million to each of the families of the deceased athletes as initial assistance.

“This is a devastating loss for Kano, the athletics community, and the affected families,” she said during a condolence visit to the Government House. “Our prayer is that this kind of tragedy never happens again, and that Allah grants the deceased Aljanat Firdaus.”

The Ogun delegation included Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, Commissioner for Sports Development Wasiu Isiaka, Executive Secretary of the Gateway Games LOC Kweku Tandoh, and other top officials and athletes.

They were received by Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who expressed appreciation for the gesture and Governor Abiodun’s earlier condolence call. “This visit and today’s support reaffirm Governor Abiodun’s concern and solidarity during this period of grief,” Gwarzo said.

The accident occurred on Saturday at around 12:30 p.m. at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area, when a Toyota Coaster Bus (registration number KN041 A17) conveying the athletes crashed. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command, 22 of the 32 passengers—31 males and one female—died at the scene, while others sustained varying injuries.

One survivor, Ado Salisu, told reporters the tragedy unfolded just hours before they were due to arrive in Kano.

The loss has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s sporting community and prompted nationwide calls for improved safety standards for team travel.