I am undeniably pleased with the state government’s concern, commitment and dedication in the aftermath of the recent tragedy in which a bus carrying state athletes from the most recent National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State’s capital, crashed into a bridge, killing 22 and injuring the others.
This is because I watched or heard what the deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, did in the absence of the governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was on the last Hajj at the time of the occurrence.
To the best of his ability, the deputy governor took every step to show the sympathy and commitment of Governor Abba’s administration to the victims.
When the governor comes back from Hajj and starts working again, I know he will be fully informed about what transpired and what has been done in response to the terrible situation.
Honestly, given the seriousness of the incident and the sheer volume of people affected, I anticipated a lot from the governor.
Although Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered the two government agencies to be immortalized in memory of the slain sportsmen, he has failed to reveal his government’s massive financial support to the players’ families.
I am aware that Mrs. Remi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, contributed one hundred and ten million naira (N110,000,000) to the families of the 22 deceased athletes.
People have also told me that the Ogun state government and other people have given money to the families of the athletes who died.
I, and many other sports stakeholders, are also expecting to see the government’s massive financial assistance package for the deceased’s relatives.
Even though the government has changed the names of the Kano State Sports Institute and the Kano State Sports Commission to the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute and the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute, respectively, these are inadquate.
I’m also pleased that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced that the government will fund their children’s education and include their spouses in government empowerment schemes.
I’m particularly pleased that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced that those without wives would have their parents included in the empowerment campaign.
All of these efforts by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are commendable, but if I were Governor Abba, I would go above and above because losing a family breadwinner is a tremendous and lasting loss.
That is why, if I were Governor Abba, I would begin paying huge ransom to the relatives of the deceased. This will surely relieve the pain they are feeling.
If I were Governor Abba, the next thing I would do is begin delivering entire buildings as house gifts to every one of their families so that those who do not have one can quickly transfer to it and avoid eviction by the landlord.
Aside from that, if I were Governor Abba, I would immediately direct the Pension Board to begin paying their Gratuity if found to be on the state payroll.
I solicited feedback from other states’ sports stakeholders to determine what they expected the government to accomplish. Thus:-
Many people who have spoken out about the situation have praised the state’s most prominent citizen for his kindness and dedication, but many also believe the government should do more.
Comrade Sani Ibrahim PhD, sports administrator, Sports expert as well as online reputable writer
Kano state government under the able leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf did well and deserves more kudos, accolades and encomiums.
The death of 22 Kano athletes on 31st May 2025 become a historical tragedy to the Kano people and Nigerian sports industries.
The efforts of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir, the Executive Governor of Kano state must be acknowledged and appreciated.
For instance, the immortalization of the deceased by naming sports commission and Karfi sports institute after them is a welcome development.
Moreover, the shouldering of educational, health and shelter responsibilities of the children of the deceased is also worthy of appreciation and emulation by other political administrators in Kano and Nigeria.
Jamilu Uba Adamu, sports follower
As someone deeply involved in Kano’s sports scene, both as a participant and observer, I am still reeling from the tragic incident that claimed the lives of our athletes, officials and others. Knowing many of the victims personally made it even more devastating.
I sincerely appreciate the Kano State Government’s gesture in renaming the Kano State Institute of Sports to 22 Athletes Institute, honoring the departed athletes. This act shows empathy and commitment to their legacy.
I hope the government takes concrete steps to prevent future tragedies by providing safe, roadworthy vehicles for sports teams, similar to those for dignitaries and ensuring implementing robust safety protocols for team transportation.
This would mean a lot to me and the sports community, ensuring athlete safety and well-being.
Allah Ubangiji ya gafarta musu. Amin
Prof. Musa Garba AA, University Don
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s renaming of two agencies after the 22 slain sportsmen, as well as other gestures, is a positive and acceptable gesture.
At the very least, it reflected the government’s feelings and dedication to the matter at hand, but I believe the government should do much more.
To be honest, I anticipated to hear about a large sum of cash as a gift to the deceased’s families first, before anything else.
This is because, if the Kwara State Government can reward its Kwara United Football Club players with N5 million each for simply winning the Federation Cup, there is no reason why the Kano State Government cannot declare more for the families of its athletes who lost their lives.
I also thought the government would give each family of the dead a full house as a gift. All of these are nothing from the government, and it will act as a morale boost for the families of the deceased athletes as well as those who remain.
Muhammad Mansoor Ibrahim, former Kano SWAN scribe, Vice President North SWAN
To me, renaming our key sports facilities to honor our fallen athletes (Kano 22) is a positive move since it demonstrates the government’s dedication to sports because it will give the families of the dead players feel a sense of belonging.
Additionally, it will show the relatives of the deceased athletes the government concern about the death of their breadwinners. But it must not end there.
The government should also look after the family, which includes both young and senior members.
The government’s scholarships to the families of the deceased is a good and welcome gesture.
It will demonstrate to future athletes the government’s dedication to their life even after they die.
Come to think of it, the Kwara state government recently deposited huge cash prizes on Kwara United players and officials in recognition of their victory in the Presidential Cup.
Ebonyi state government too did something significant to its players, Kano should do more for our heroes because they lost their lives in active service to the state.
Muktari Ahmad aka Zeeco, sports administrator, sports lover and follower
To me, what the government did for the families of these young men who died on their way home from a national mission was commendable.
It will be a sign that the government is prepared to handle any unpleasant events that may occur (God forbid) in the future.
However, the government should do more by providing a lump sum of money and adequate housing to the relatives of the deceased.
Shehu Adamu, former Kano Pillars image maker and now Head of News and Current Affairs of NTA, Kano
There is no doubt that the Kano state government deserves commendation for its prompt response to the plight of the families of the state athletes who lost their lives on their way home after participating at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
I salute the government resolved to name both the Sports Commission and the formerly Sports Institute, Karfi after the 22 deceased athletes.
Indeed, the decision would not only spur others but serve as a constant reminder to successive administration in Kano State that such a tragedy happened and a decision to immortalise the victims was taken and implemented.
However, despite the immortalised decision coupled with the donation being received for the welfare of the departed athletes and other welfare packages from the state government, there is a need for the state government to constitute a stakeholders committee that will advise appropriately on ways to avert future occurrence and ensure the welfare of the state athletes at all levels.
In addition, I want further appointments of sports administrators in the state to be on merit, not on political sentiments; and recycling of retired administrators to manage Sports in Kano should be stopped but on exceptional cases.
Sadiq Garba, PhD administrator
The gesture is admirable in my opinion, but naming a government entity after a specific person or persons is unprecedented.
Of course, you may name the building where the organ is located after a specific individual or group. The building that houses the Sports Commission, for example, could be given this name.
Abdulkarim Dahiru A. Captain, sports follower
I appreciate the government’s attempts to rename the agency, but the most essential issue is to change the systems for athletes traveling in our nation by flight.
And, in my opinion, the government should provide something for all of the athletes who travelled to Ogun to represent their state, risking their lives.
Muhammad Salisu Rabiu, former Kano State SWAN, chairman and als ex-SWAN’s North vice chairman
It’s a welcome development but government should not stop at that, they should also pay compensation to the families of the athletes, and it should be as soon as possible.
Ibrahim Gwadabe, Chairman Kano State Football Coaches Association
I’m in full support and I recommend for the government to renovate and upgrade Mahaha sports center and named it after them since the complex is for sports generally even though football take the largest part of it.
Jibrin Ali Giginyu, Journalist
I think the collective one is ok. Then at the entrance of these institutions their names and photos should be placed.
Tijjani Shehu Yahaya, CEO, K-Series Sports Management Agency Limited, Kano
To me, the decision by the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to rename two government agencies after the 22 athletes who tragically lost their lives in a road accident is both commendable and symbolic.
Naming the institutions “Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute” and “Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission” is a thoughtful tribute that immortalizes the athletes’ contributions to the development of sports in the state.
In my opinion, this is a step in the right direction for several reasons:
1. Honouring the Legacy of the Athletes
By naming these agencies after them, the government is ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. This goes beyond mere condolences—it is a lasting memorial that gives meaning to their dedication and commitment to representing Kano State.
2. Support for the Families
Governor Yusuf also announced plans to support the families of the victims, including offering employment opportunities to their relatives and scholarships to their children.
This practical gesture of assistance gives true value to the symbolic renaming and shows that the state is standing with the bereaved.
3. Call for Safer Transport Systems
The tragedy also brings attention to the need for improved safety measures for government-sponsored travel, especially for athletes and students.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for stricter vehicle inspections, qualified drivers, and better logistical planning for official trips.
4. A Lasting Reminder for Future Generations
The renaming will also serve as an inspiration to future athletes who will train and work under these institutions. It reminds them that their efforts are valued and that Kano State honours those who serve her well.
In conclusion, while nothing can truly replace the lives lost, this gesture by the government reflects respect, empathy, and a commitment to remembering its heroes.
I recommend that the government also consider building a memorial monument or dedicating an annual sports event in their honour to further preserve their legacy.
Abubakar Adam Karaye, Head of Sports Skyline University
Over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave ‘TEAM KANO’ Contingent on their way back home along the Kano-Zaria expressway from just concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State last month (May, 2025).
To me, the Kano State Administration under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (ABY), did well to the families, relatives, friends and well-wishers of the deceased atthletes.
To show its concerns, the administration first declared Monday 2nd June, 2025 as a public holiday in honor of the athletes and their officials who tragically lost their lives in the accident while retuning homes from the 22nd Nationa l Sports Festival (NSF).
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also announced the renaming of Kano State Sports Institute as the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute and also Kano State Sports Commission to the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission all in order to immortalized the 22 Kano Sportsmen who tragically perished in May, 2025.
Governor Abba also promised that his government will subsidize the education of all the deceased athletes’ children, incorporate their Widows into government empowerment programs and include parent of unmarried athletes in assistance schemes.
Towards these development, I deeply, appreciate this thoughtful and kind action demonstrated by the Governor AKY’s tremendous sympathy and dedication to honoring the memory of the fallen athletes.
May the spirit of the fallen heroes rest in eternal peace and my heartfelt concern goes to the deceased’s bereaved families, friends and co-workers.
According to the above, everyone, particularly those who spoke about Governor Abba’s gesture, agreed that His Excellency did the correct and respectable thing, but they want him to do more so that the agony of the deceased’s families is significantly alleviated.