The Ogun State Government has donated ₦22 million to the families of 22 young athletes who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Kano State.
Leading a high-level delegation to Kano on Monday, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, conveyed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s heartfelt condolences and solidarity during a visit to the Kano State Government House. Governor Abiodun, currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, had earlier expressed his sympathies through a condolence call.
Each bereaved family received ₦1 million as initial financial support from the Ogun State Government.
“This is a heartbreaking loss not just for the families involved, but for Kano State, the sporting community, and Nigeria as a whole,” Salako-Oyedele said. “We are here to express our love, support, and shared grief. May Allah grant the departed eternal peace and give strength to those they left behind.”
The delegation also included Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Executive Secretary of the Gateway Games LOC, Kweku Tandoh; and other officials.
Receiving the delegation, Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, commended Ogun State’s swift gesture of empathy.
“Governor Abiodun’s immediate call and now this visit show a true spirit of national unity and brotherhood. We are deeply grateful for this support,” Gwarzo said.
The tragic crash occurred last Saturday around 12:30 p.m. at Gadar Yankifi, Garun Malam Local Government Area. The victims were returning from a sporting event when the Toyota Coaster bus they were traveling in, carrying 32 passengers, was involved in a fatal accident.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 22 passengers—21 males and one female—died on the spot, while the remaining sustained various injuries.
The tragedy has reignited calls for better transportation safety measures for athletes and youth contingents nationwide.
