Tinubu, Abiodun Mourn 21 Kano Athletes In Fatal Crash

Tinubu mourns Kano athletes, vows improved transport safety.
Abiodun calls loss painful, hails athletes as budding stars.
Tinubu and Abiodun extend condolences to the victims’ families and Kano State.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Kano Athletes who were involved in a tragic accident on Saturday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Kano State contingent, who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State were involved in the fatal road crash at Gadar Yankifi (Yankifi bridge) in Garun Mallam Local Government Area on Saturday.

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In reaction to the unfortunate incident, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as a “devastating blow to the nation.”

21 Kano Athletes

He, thereafter, extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the families of the deceased.

The statement read, “This tragedy casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence.

“It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages.”

Tinubu, while paying tribute to the victims, noted that their dedication and aspirations reflected the resilient Nigerian spirit.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving transportation safety to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The President said, “The greatest honour we can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies and enhance safety standards across the nation’s transport systems.”

In a related development, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

Abiodun, in a statement, said, “It is indeed saddening and distressing that 21 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatising and most painful circumstances.

Kano Athletes

“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, 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.”

The Ogun Governor added, “Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 33 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 grant 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 most unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”