*Gov Abiodun, Adeboye, Others Mourn
This is not the best time for stakeholders in the Nigerian sports. When there was celebration for a successful completion of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta in Ogun State, tragic struck that turned the celebration into a mournful period for the nation.
The news of Autocrash that involved the contingent of Team Kano to the Games on their way home was something that caught the nation by surprise.
“The accident occurred in Dakstalle town, approximately 50 kilometers from Kano, resulting in the loss of 20 precious lives.
“The victims include athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and administrators who were part of the Kano State delegation to the National Sports Festival. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many mourning the loss of these talented individuals,” Kano State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) said in a shock message Saturday.
WATCH THE VIDEO MOMENT AFTER THE ACCIDENT
Shortly after, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kano State, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso released a statement to announced the unfortunate to the world.
He expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate motor accident involving members of the Kano State contingent to the National Sports Festival tagged ‘Gateway 2024’ held in Ogun State.
Hon. Kwankwaso, on behalf of the Kano State Government and the good people of the state, extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected athletes, officials, and their families.
“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. We are devastated by the news of the ghastly accident that occurred as our athletes were returning home after representing our great state with pride and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire sporting community in Kano,” Hon. kwankwaso stated.
He described the incident as a moment of mourning for the entire state, adding that the government stands firmly with the affected individuals and will ensure they receive the necessary medical attention and support.
Hon. Kwankwaso also appreciated the efforts of first responders and medical personnel attending to the victims and assured the public that a full report of the incident will be received and appropriate actions taken.
The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to the welfare and safety of all athletes and officials who represent the state in national and international sporting engagements.
Katsina State government, Sports Ministry, Sports Council, Sports Loving People and good people of the State also condoled with the Kano State Sports Commission over the unfortunate motor accident involving some members of Kano state contingent.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning home after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, said the incident had left him completely traumatized, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024, and who had a bright future ahead of them.
Expressing condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, Abiodun prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes, saying that they were heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.
He said: “It is indeed saddening and distressing that 20 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and painful circumstances.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents skills, and creativity. In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival will never get to see their beautiful faces again. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.
“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 36 states, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”
The Executive Director of Katsina State Sports Council Alh Abdu Bello issued the statement on behalf of Katsina State government and good people of the state.
In the statement the executive director extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected athletes, official’s and their families.
Abdu Bello expressed shocked over the incidence and prayed for God almighty to repose of souls of the deceased and fortitude for the families to bear the lost.
To the Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, “the loss of these young and vibrant athletes—who gave their all to represent their state and our great nation—is a heartbreaking tragedy. Their dedication, courage, and passion for sports are commendable and will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, teammates, coaches, and all who have been affected by this terrible loss. I stand in solidarity with the entire Kano State sports community and share in your grief during this incredibly difficult time.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may their memory continue to inspire hope and commitment in the hearts of those they leave behind,” Adeoye said.
Otunba Segun Runsewe, President, Nigeria Golf Federation in a condolence message said the accident was a devastated news to the Nigerian golf community, saying that “we are devastated to learn of the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of twenty individuals—promising youths, coaches, and officials who had dedicated themselves to the noble pursuit of representing their state and our great nation in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
“This is a tremendous loss, not just to Kano State, but to the entire Nigerian sports family.
“The contributions of those who perished will never be forgotten, and their commitment to excellence in sports will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the injured, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event,” Runsewe said.
