Abiodun supports deceased Kano athletes families with N31m
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has provided financial assistance totalling ₦31 million to the families of the Kano State athletes and officials who died in a tragic road accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024.
In addition to the financial support, the Governor dispatched a high-level delegation to Kano State to extend condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ogun.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Gateway Games 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh.
Also part of the delegation were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Comrade Lanre Ogunyinka; Coach of Team Ogun, Idris Oguntayo; a female athlete from Team Ogun, Ms Atinuke Onabiyi; and a male athlete from the same team, Ayomide Oyegbade.
The delegation arrived in Kano at approximately 9 a.m. and was received by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, along with other senior government officials.
While delivering Governor Abiodun’s message of sympathy, Engr. Salako-Oyedele described the incident as a personal loss for the Ogun State Governor and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano State.
She said, “We are aware that His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, is currently on Hajj. Nevertheless, we felt it was important to be here in person to show our solidarity with the Government and people of Kano during this period of mourning.
“This is a deeply painful loss not only for Kano State but for the athletics community as a whole, and most especially for the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We also remember those who were injured and are still receiving treatment. We pray for their quick and full recovery.”
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the prompt response of emergency services and expressed gratitude to the police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and others who came to the aid of the victims.
She added, “Our prayer is that such a tragedy never occurs again. May Allah accept the souls of the departed, forgive their shortcomings, and grant them Aljanat Firdaus. We also pray that their families and loved ones find the strength to endure this profound loss.”
In his response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo thanked the Ogun State Government for the show of solidarity. He stated that Kano State had no doubt about Governor Abiodun’s concern and goodwill, noting that the Ogun Governor had earlier reached out personally by phone to express his sympathy.
He said, “The Government and people of Kano State are grateful for this visit. It reaffirms the bonds of unity and empathy that connect us across states. Governor Abiodun’s support and kind gesture will not be forgotten.”
The accident, which involved members of the Kano State contingent returning home from the National Sports Festival hosted in Ogun, has cast a shadow over what had been a successful celebration of athletic talent and unity.
The financial support and condolence visit from Ogun State have been widely seen as a meaningful gesture during this period of grief.