The House of Representatives expresses profound grief over the tragic loss of members of the Kano State contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, who died in a fatal road crash on Saturday.
The accident, which occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway, claimed the lives of 22 individuals and left several others injured. The victims included athletes, coaches, health workers, journalists, and sports administrators returning from the biennial games. This devastating incident has cast a dark shadow over what had been a celebration of youth, unity, and athletic excellence, involving over 10,000 athletes from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, described the incident as a national tragedy and called on the Kano State Government and relevant authorities to immortalise the dearly departed patriots.
> “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Government and people of Kano State at this moment of grief. This is one unfortunate incident too many. May Allah (SWT) grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” said Speaker Abbas.
Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Rep. Kabiru Ahmadu, also expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as “a dark and painful moment for the Nigerian sports family.”
> “It is incredibly heartbreaking that young and promising athletes, alongside their officials who had just served the nation with pride and commitment, lost their lives in such tragic circumstances. May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, grant them peace and comfort those they leave behind,” he added.
He further stated that, as part of its oversight responsibilities, the House Committee on Sports will engage relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety protocols for all future national sporting activities involving young Nigerians.
The House also extends our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Caucus in the House of Representatives, the Government and People of Kano State, as well as the broader Nigerian sports community. We commend emergency responders for their swift action and call on all relevant agencies to ensure the injured receive the highest standard of medical care. Furthermore, we urge that adequate support – both financial and psychological – be extended to the families of the deceased.
In the face of this heart-wrenching tragedy, the House of Representatives reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the protection and wellbeing of all Nigerians. These athletes and officials exemplified courage, excellence, and national pride. Their dreams and sacrifices shall not be in vain.
May their souls find peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
