Ogun Pays for Pain: N31m Relief for Kano Tragedy Victims
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sent a high-level delegation to Kano State to express condolences and deliver financial support following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of Kano athletes and officials returning from the Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival.
Led by Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the team visited Kano on Sunday, carrying the governor’s heartfelt message and a financial package of N1 million for each of the 31 affected families, totaling N31 million in immediate relief.
The devastating crash occurred on May 31, 2025, near the Daka Tsalle bridge along the Kano-Zaria expressway, killing 20 people — including young athletes and team officials — and injuring several others.
“We are deeply pained by this loss. These were bright young talents who had come to Ogun to make their state proud,” said Salako-Oyedele. “We grieve with Kano and pray for strength for the families and swift recovery for the injured.”
Receiving the delegation, Kano Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, expressed gratitude for the visit and financial support, calling it a profound demonstration of national unity and compassion.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is currently on Hajj, declared a state-wide public holiday and called for special prayers across Kano, mourning what he described as a “great loss not only to Kano, but to Nigeria.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also mourned the victims, describing the crash as a national tragedy and calling for improved transportation safety measures for athletes and citizens alike.
