Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has declared Monday a public holiday in honour of the 22 athletes and officials from the state who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement was made on Sunday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature. The victims, mostly youths, were part of Kano State’s contingent to the recently concluded sporting event and were involved in a fatal crash along the Kano–Zaria expressway.
Governor Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, described the tragedy as “a dark moment for the state.”
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” he said.
He called on the people of Kano to remain calm, united, and prayerful during this period of grief. The governor also pledged that the state government will provide full support to the families of the deceased and those injured.
Yusuf further urged Imams and the faithful across Kano and beyond to offer prayers for the souls of the departed and for strength and healing for their grieving families.
What You Should Know
To honour the memory of 22 Kano athletes and officials who died in a road crash after the National Sports Festival, Governor Abba Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday.
He assured families of support and called for statewide prayers for the departed.
