, formally visited Kano State to convey the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the Federal Government to the government and people of the State, over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes and officials.){kind=link}
A delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), formally visited Kano State to convey the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the Federal Government to the government and people of the State, over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes and officials.
The athletes and officials representing Kano State were returning from the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State when the accident happened. NSC chairman Shehu Dikko was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo, as the Governor was away to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
The Deputy Governor was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Head of Service, Commissioners, officials of the Kano State Sports Commission and other top government functionaries.
“The NSC on behalf of the Federal Government has offered to interface with the state government to come up with a proper framework to support the families of the dead and also the proper rehabilitation of the survivors,” Dikko stated.
“The injury is to all. It is a tragically momentous period in our sporting history and we want to let the state government and the individual families know that we are all grieving together and we will do all that is needed in supporting the families.”
“Going forward, we need for enhanced safety and welfare of participating athletes before, during and after major sporting events will become even more topical now.”
“Our prayer is that this should never happen again. The President and the Federal Government are solidly behind the people of Kano at a time such as this and always,” he added.
Dikko visited families of the deceased athletes at various locations across the city before visiting the nine (9) recuperating athletes at the Murtala Mohammed Hospital.
While thanking the NSC Chairman, the Deputy Governor expressed the state’s appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for their concern and continuous support.
He expressed delight with NSC’s commitment to engage the state and work in collaboration towards providing the requisite succour to the families.
The NSC reiterated its earlier commitment to fast-track a more strict national safety protocol for sporting contingents. This includes:
• Mandatory vehicle inspection and certification before national events;
• Comprehensive insurance coverage for athletes, officials, and support staff;
• Better accommodation and logistics planning;
• Post-event safety audits to hold states and organisers accountable.
Recognising the devastating impact of the tragedy, especially on households that lost primary breadwinners, the NSC also revealed plans to work with the Kano State Government to:
• Establish a relief and welfare support package for bereaved families;
• Explore a Memorial or annual award in honor of the fallen athletes and officials;
• Provide psychosocial support to survivors and next of kin.
NSC chairman was accompanied by the NSC Director of Finance and Administration, Alamin Mustapha; Director of Facilities, Muhammed Rabiu; Director Special Duties, Directors Audit and Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Protocol to the Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Muazu Kawu.