Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Yusuf, has paid tribute to the 22 athletes who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State by renaming two major state sports institutions in their honour. The Kano State Sports Institute and the Kano State Sports Commission will now be known as the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute and the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission, respectively—a move the governor said would immortalize their sacrifice.
In a show of national solidarity, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, donated ₦110 million to the bereaved families. The donation was delivered during a condolence visit by a delegation led by Laila Barau Jibrin, wife of the Deputy Senate President. Each of the 22 families is expected to receive ₦5 million from the fund. Governor Yusuf, while receiving the delegation, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady, describing the gesture as compassionate and deeply impactful.
He also recalled her previous philanthropic acts in Kano, including donations to elderly women and smallholder farmers. To ensure fair disbursement of the current funds, the governor announced the formation of a high-powered committee.
Beyond immediate financial relief, Yusuf pledged long-term support for the victims’ families. He assured that the children of the deceased would receive educational scholarships, while their wives would benefit from empowerment programmes. For unmarried victims, their parents will also be included in the state’s welfare plans, further reinforcing Kano’s commitment to the wellbeing of its people.
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