President Bola Tinubu has pledged full-scale rehabilitation and support for the survivors of the recent road accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes and officials from Kano State.
The tragic incident occurred as the delegation was returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Conveying the President’s message of condolence, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, visited Kano on Tuesday evening.
During the visit, he assured the state government and affected families of the Federal Government’s commitment to both immediate relief and sustained long-term recovery efforts.
Dikko revealed that the Federal Government, through the NSC, is working in close collaboration with the Kano State Government to develop a structured framework aimed at rehabilitating survivors and providing continued support to the families of the deceased.
“The National Sports Commission, on behalf of the Federal Government, has offered to partner with the state government in crafting a comprehensive support plan for the bereaved families and to ensure the full rehabilitation of the survivors,” Dikko stated.
Describing the incident as a profound national tragedy, Dikko emphasized the need for unity, compassion, and coordinated response in what he described as one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s sporting history.
Having just returned from London—where he attended the Unity Cup final and held strategic meetings on domestic sports development—Dikko travelled directly to Kano.
He was received by Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo, who stood in for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Also present during the visit were Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, several state commissioners, and senior officials from the Kano State Sports Commission.
Dikko visited multiple homes of bereaved families across the state capital and later proceeded to Murtala Muhammed Hospital, where nine injured athletes are currently receiving medical care.
“I had to cut short my trip to the UK to be here and witness the impact of this tragedy firsthand,” Dikko said.
“Our focus extends beyond immediate relief—we are committed to sustained recovery. ”
“Moving forward, the safety and welfare of athletes will be treated with even greater urgency before, during, and after major sporting events.”
