By Ayomide Otitoju
A delegation from Ogun State, led by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, arrived in Kano on Monday to condole with the government and families of 22 athletes who died in a tragic road accident over the weekend.
Salako-Oyedele, delivering a message on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, announced that the Ogun State Government would provide ₦1 million to each bereaved family as an initial gesture of support.
“We know that the governor is currently on Hajj, but we felt it necessary to be here to show our support to him, the government, and the people of Kano State during this painful period,” she stated.
Describing the loss as “devastating,” the deputy governor prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and comfort for the grieving families.
“This is not only a loss for Kano State, but also for the entire athletics community and the nation. We pray that such a tragedy never happens again,” she added.
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, as well as other government officials and athletes.
They were received at the Kano Government House by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity and financial support.
“We are not in doubt about Governor Abiodun’s concern. He called shortly after the incident to commiserate with us, and this visit reaffirms that concern and friendship,” Gwarzo said.
The fatal crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gadar Yankifi, located in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State. The Toyota Coaster Bus, with registration number KN041 A17, was transporting the athletes when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of 22 occupants at the scene.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle had 32 passengers onboard — 31 male adults and one female adult. The remaining passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
One of the survivors, Ado Salisu, recounted to journalists that the accident occurred just hours before the team was scheduled to arrive in Kano.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the sporting community, with tributes pouring in from across the country.
