Shekarau, National Sports Commission, NCS, Others Pay Condolence Visit to Kano Gov’t Over 22 Athletes Death
By Mustapha Salisu
Following the tragic death of 22 Kano athletes who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Kano State Government has continued to receive condolence visits from sympathizers across the country.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, today received former Governor of the state, Senator Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who led a delegation under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pay a condolence visit to the government and people of Kano over the devastating loss.
Senator Shekarau commended the state government for its swift response following the accident, particularly for providing financial and food support to the bereaved families. He also praised the Deputy Governor for his tireless efforts in visiting survivors and personally extending condolences to families of the deceased.
Further applauding the state’s leadership, Senator Shekarau lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for declaring a public holiday in honour of the late athletes, describing it as a noble gesture in solidarity with Kano’s fallen heroes.
He emphasized that politics should be a platform for collaboration rather than hostility, adding, “The NNPP government currently leads Kano State, and it is our collective responsibility to support its programs for the progress and development of our dear state.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, led a delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend condolences to the government and people of Kano, especially the bereaved families. He stated that part of their mission was to assess the condition of the survivors and identify mechanisms to support their continued growth in sports.
Dikko stressed the importance of reviewing the insurance framework for participants in national sporting events. “We are working towards revising insurance policies for athletes and exploring private sector partnerships to support the families of the deceased. We also aim to establish long-term plans in memory of the fallen athletes and to aid those injured. Most importantly, we need to review the circumstances of the accident to develop strategies that will prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
The Nigeria Customs Service also paid a condolence visit through the Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He expressed deep shock over the incident, noting that the loss has left a significant void in the sporting community.
“These youths were not only athletes but also ambassadors of peace and unity,” Comptroller Dalhatu said, while offering prayers for the repose of their souls and expressing hope that such a tragedy never occurs again.
In a related development, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kano Council, led by its Vice Chairman, Comrade Auwalu Muhammad Yakassai, also visited the government to offer condolences. Speaking on behalf of the Council Chairman, he described the incident as a collective loss and joined in prayers for the souls of the departed.
Responding on behalf of the government and the bereaved families, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and solidarity shown by individuals and institutions across the country.
“It is heartwarming to see people and organizations that matter standing by us and consoling the affected families. This is indeed a tragic loss, not only for Kano but for the entire nation. We continue to pray for the repose of their souls,” he said.
