PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Saturday sympathised with the families of the members of the Kano State contingent who died in a road accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident.
“This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” the President said.
President Tinubu paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
Also, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of the athletes.
In his reaction, on behalf of the Northern Governors, the NSGF Chairman, described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful, stating that the entire Northern region is in grief over the loss of these young and promising athletes who had gone to represent their state and showcase their talents on a national stage.
“These young athletes were more than representatives of Kano State; they were shining symbols of hope and promise for our region and the entire nation,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.
“Their exploits at the sports festival made us proud, and their untimely deaths are a painful reminder of life’s fragility.”
The Gombe Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to his Kano counterpart, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government, and the bereaved families of the victims.
“As a forum, we share in the grief and are committed to standing by the government and people of Kano State as they go through this dark and difficult moment. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort to their families, teammates, and the sports community in Kano and Nigeria at large “.
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has also described the death of 20 young athletes as a national heartbreaking tragedy.
Ganduje in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja on Saturday said that the accident dealt a heavy blow not only to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State but to the entire nation.
He described the deceased athletes as promising and dedicated youths who embodied the future of Nigerian sports and the pride of Kano State.
“This is a deeply sorrowful moment. These young athletes travelled in the spirit of unity, patriotism, and excellence to represent our state and nation. To lose them in such a tragic and untimely manner is a devastating national loss,” Ganduje said.
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The APC Chairman extended deepest condolences to the grieving families, the Government and people of Kano State, and the wider Nigerian sports community.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort and strength for those left behind.
Ganduje, who is performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia, also called on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and implement stronger safety protocols to protect Nigerian athletes during future national assignments.
“May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the families the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal rest to the departed souls,” he added.