By Mustapha Salisu
Following the recent tragic incident that claimed the lives of Kano State indigenes returning from a national event in Ogun State, the Executive Director of Kasham Girls, Women, Youth, and Community Development Initiative, Dinatu Dama Maji, has expressed deep sorrow and called for urgent institutional reforms to prevent future occurrences.
Speaking in a heartfelt address, Dinatu described the incident as “disheartening” and extended her condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Kano State, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
She emphasized the need for the state to take strategic actions to protect its citizens, particularly those representing the state at national engagements.
Dinatu further urged the Kano State Government to leverage strategic partnerships with airline companies owned by Kano indigenes including Rano Air and Azman Air to facilitate safe and secure transportation for athletes, students, and other representatives traveling out of the state for official activities.
“These airlines, being native to Kano, should be engaged through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to ensure safe travel arrangements for Kano State contingents”
“Whether it’s athletics, academic competitions, or any official engagement, we must ensure our people are well protected while in transit” she stressed.
Dinatu emphasized that those who represent the state carry its dignity and should be accorded the necessary logistical support and safety guarantees.
She recommended the integration of travel and safety education across all sectors, especially in sports, highlighting the need for regular training and refresher courses for individuals who frequently travel on behalf of the state.
Highlighting her organization’s ongoing partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Dinatu offered support to the Kano State Government in developing and implementing a robust travel safety policy. This policy, she said, should cover all modes of transportation air, land, and sea.
The Executive Director also called on the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to collaborate with national and international agencies focused on sports safety.
She urged the ministry to adopt global best practices and tools that enhance the safety of athletes during both training and travel.
“In this digital era, there are professional tools and platforms available that can improve athlete welfare. Kano State must adopt these technologies and forge strategic partnerships to safeguard our people,” she said.
Beyond policy reforms, Dinatu advocated for full financial entitlements to be paid to affected families, and for all children of the deceased to be enrolled in free education up to tertiary level.
She also called for immediate employment opportunities to be provided to the spouses of the deceased who possess educational qualifications such as NCE, HND, or BSc.
“This tragedy must not be swept under the carpet. It is the responsibility of the government and society at large to rally around these families and ensure they are supported and protected”
“Entitlements should not be hijacked or manipulated. We must stand for what is right” She added.