Emmanuel lkpeama
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroot Sports Development,Mr Adebanji Atewogboye has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 21 Kano State athletes in a road accident in the Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano.
In a condolences message signed by the Senior Special Assistant, Atewogboye described the incident as a tragic loss for the student and sports communities.
“With profound sadness, I, Adebanji Adeoye Atewogboye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports, Lagos State, mourn the tragic loss of the Kano State contingent in a devastating road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival 2025.”
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation, particularly the youth and sports communities, as we mourn the untimely demise of these talented individuals who dedicated their lives to representing their state and uplifting the spirit of unity through sports.”
“My deepest condolences go to the families, loved ones, and the Kano State Sports community affected by this irreparable loss. The pain of losing talented young athletes is unbearable. We remember their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for sports, which inspired many.”
“May Almighty God grant the departed souls eternal rest and comfort their loved ones. May the injured recover speedily. Rest in peace, dear athletes. Your memory will never be forgotten.”he submitted .
He extended sympathies to the Kano State Government, the Sports Council, families of the deceased, and the people of Kano, adding, “The loss of these bright stars is not only a loss to their immediate families but to the nation as a whole.”
It will be recalled that the athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State when the crash occurred at Gadar Yankifi on Saturday.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano, 21 members of the state contingent died, while 11 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
