By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has sent a high-level delegation to Kano State to commiserate with the government and people over the tragic deaths of athletes and officials who died in a road accident while returning from the recently concluded Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Governor Abiodun announced a ₦1 million donation to each of the 31 bereaved families – bringing the total financial assistance to ₦31 million.
The delegation, led by Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, included Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Sports Development Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee Dr. Kweku Tandoh; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Comrade Lanre Ogunyinka; Team Ogun coach Idris Oguntayo; and two athletes, Ms. Atinuke Onabiyi and Mr. Ayomide Oyegbade.
They were received in Kano by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo and other senior government officials.
Conveying Governor Abiodun’s message of condolence, Salako-Oyedele described the incident as a heartbreaking loss not only for Kano State but for the entire Nigerian sports community.
“We know that His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, is currently on Hajj, but it was important for us to come in person to express our deepest sympathies,” she said. “This is a devastating loss for Kano, for the athletics community, and most painfully, for the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We pray for the full recovery of those who are still hospitalized and for strength and healing for all those affected.”
She extended gratitude to emergency responders, including the police and Federal Road Safety Corps, who rushed to assist the victims at the scene. “Our prayer is that this kind of tragedy never happens again. May Allah accept the souls of the departed, forgive their shortcomings, and grant them Aljanat Firdaus,” she added.
In response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo expressed the gratitude of the Kano State Government, describing the visit as a sincere act of compassion that reflected Governor Abiodun’s character and concern.
“The Governor had already called to express his condolences, and now this delegation confirms his deep sense of responsibility and humanity,” Gwarzo said. “We are touched by your solidarity and deeply appreciate your support during this sorrowful time.”
The tragic accident, which claimed the lives of 31 athletes and officials from Kano, cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a successful sporting event in Ogun State. The loss has sparked widespread mourning across Nigeria’s sports community and reignited calls for improved safety protocols for interstate transportation of athletes.
