Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has dispatched a high-powered delegation to Kano State to express condolences and offer support following the tragic loss of athletes and officials involved in a fatal accident after the National Sports Festival (NSF).
The accident occurred on Saturday morning around 9 a.m. in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. The victims were returning from the just-concluded NSF, hosted by Ogun State. The incident claimed numerous lives and left several others injured, sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s sports community.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Governor Abiodun announced an initial financial support package of N1 million for each of the 31 bereaved families. This amounts to a total of N31 million in immediate assistance from Ogun State to help the affected families cope with their loss.
The delegation sent by the Ogun government was led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. Other members included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr. Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the upcoming Gateway Games 2024, Dr. Kweku Tandoh.
Also part of the team were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka; Team Ogun’s coach, Mr. Idris Oguntayo; and two athletes from the state’s contingent—Ms. Atinuke Onabiyi and Mr. Ayomide Oyegbade.
The delegation arrived in Kano at about 9 a.m. on Sunday and was warmly received by officials of the Kano State Government, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.
In her remarks, Mrs. Salako-Oyedele conveyed the deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences of Ogun State Governor Abiodun and the people of Ogun to Kano. She said, “We are here to express the heartfelt sympathies of the Government and people of Ogun State. We understand that His Excellency Governor Abba Yusuf is currently away on Hajj, but we felt compelled to be here to show our solidarity with him, the bereaved families, and the people of Kano State during this difficult time.”
She described the tragedy as “a devastating loss—not only for Kano State but for the entire sporting community.” She also extended prayers for the quick recovery of those still receiving medical treatment.
Mrs. Salako-Oyedele further praised the swift and professional response of emergency agencies, including the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for their immediate efforts to assist the victims at the scene.
In his response, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo thanked the Ogun delegation for their visit and Governor Abiodun’s compassionate gesture. He revealed that Governor Abiodun had personally reached out by phone on Saturday to commiserate with Kano State’s government and people, demonstrating genuine concern and solidarity.
The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, bringing athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory together every two years. This tragedy has cast a shadow over the sporting event, which was intended to foster unity, sportsmanship, and talent development across the nation.
Governor Abiodun’s prompt action to support Kano and the victims’ families has been widely praised by sports officials, government representatives, and members of the public. His commitment to assisting the bereaved families signals the importance of solidarity and compassion in times of national sorrow.
The delegation’s visit underscores the bond between Nigerian states, especially in moments of crisis, and highlights the critical role of government in providing immediate relief and comfort to those affected by tragic events.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, the nation mourns the loss of young athletes and officials who represented their states with pride at the NSF. The thoughts and prayers of Nigerians remain with the families and friends of the victims, as well as the survivors struggling to recover from the ordeal.
