Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the renaming of the Kano State Sports Institute to the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute and the Kano State Sports Commission to the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission during a ceremony at the Government House in Kano.
his tribute honors the 22 athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff, and a journalist who died in a tragic road accident on May 31, 2025, while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Yusuf described the fallen as “young heroes who made Kano proud,” emphasizing that their “commitment and sacrifice to the state will not be forgotten.” The announcement coincided with a courtesy visit by representatives of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who donated ₦110 million to the bereaved families.
Yusuf expressed gratitude, noting, “These families are going through unimaginable grief, and this act of kindness provides not only relief but also recognition.” He pledged ongoing support, including full sponsorship of the victims’ children’s education, empowerment programs for their widows, and assistance for parents of unmarried victims.
The accident occurred at Gadar Yankifi on the Kano-Zaria expressway, just 5 kilometers from Kano, when a Toyota Coaster Bus carrying 32 passengers veered off the Chiromawa Bridge, likely due to overspeeding, driver fatigue, or mechanical failure.
The Kano contingent had excelled at the festival, securing 29 medals (6 gold, 13 silver, 10 bronze). The tragedy prompted a state mourning day on June 2, with each family receiving ₦1 million and food supplies.
The renaming serves as a lasting memorial, with Yusuf stating that the athletes “deserve to be immortalized for their patriotism and excellence.” The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kano Chapter also called for a major sports facility to be named in their honor and urged enhanced safety measures, highlighting the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s sports sector.
What You Should Know
- The Kano State Sports Institute and Commission were renamed the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute and Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission to honor 22 victims of a May 31, 2025, road accident.
- The announcement was made on June 29, 2025, during a ceremony with representatives of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who donated ₦110 million to the families.
- The state will sponsor the education of the victims’ children and include widows and parents in empowerment programs.
- The crash, involving a bus carrying 32 passengers, occurred near Kano after the team’s successful performance at the National Sports Festival.
- The renaming aims to immortalize the athletes’ legacy, with calls for improved sports infrastructure and safety protocols in Kano.
