Without a doubt, it was a terrible, terribly sad, horrific, and unfortunate day for the entire nation, Nigerian sports community as well as Kano State.
It was the particular Saturday that a tragic event befell Kano state that consumed the lives of some of the athletes, officials and other Team Kano members that lost their precious lives in a motor crash.
The incident happened in the morning hours of the day on their way back home from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a sweeping response to the ugly and unfortunate event, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, the state deputy governor visited the deceased as well as the victims and instantly announced the donation of one million Naira cash donation and other materials.
For sure, the government’s cash assistance to the families of the 22 young Team Kano members who lost their lives on their way back from Ogun State, was unquestionably a nice and admirable gesture.
To lessen the impact of the loss on impacted families, the state government also supplied food and other relief supplies in addition to the financial aid.
It is an undeniable fact that the deputy governor’s efforts have demonstrated the government’s concern for the issue and its willingness to support the injured and deceased martyrs.
The Deputy Governor’s timely visits to the Nasarawa Hospital , where the remains of the deceased were deposited and the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where seven injured athletes are undergoing medical treatment are unmistakable evidence of the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf’s concern for its citizens.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the deputy governor told the deceased families that the government has pledged to support them all during the protracted process of healing and recovery, not only during their time of loss.
As members of Kano State’s delegation to the sports festival, a national event that employs athletic competition to promote unity, peace, and youth development, the deputy governor also described the incident as a “heartbreaking loss” for both the state and the nation.
“As the young men were returning from a national assignment after representing Kano with distinction, the tragedy struck, making it a very sad day for the state and the nation as a whole,” according to Gwarzo.
Undoubtedly, the state Kano government’s prompt action or response to this tragic and sad incident is a praiseworthy and welcome gesture.
It serves as a reminder that Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is deeply concerned about and dedicated to the well-being of its citizens, no matter where they may be.
I believe that greater levels of government long term support and aid are necessary since we all know,
that the majority of the deceased were family men with dependents, including children, to care for and maintain.
I am glad that some people, like Sen. Barau and Hon. Sagir, have given them a mark of support, but I’m convinced that it’s not enough.
Since the majority of them left behind spouses, children in school, and other dependable relationships, the government must find a way to support the families of the deceased athletes.
In light of the devastating loss, I am sending along a well-organized analysis of the issues and difficulties faced by the families of the Kano Team athletes, along with suggestions for government solutions.
I. Problems and Challenges Faced by Families of the Deceased and Injured
The emotional and psychological burden falls under this category and is related to the long-term emotional scars, trauma, and bereavement, especially for parents, siblings, spouses, and children.
The loss of parental love and emotional support can be difficult on surviving children and dependents of the deceased.
2. Economic and Livelihood Hardship
We know that many of the people who died in this case were the primary breadwinners. Their families are now experiencing unexpected financial hardship as a result.
Therefore, it would be concerning if widows without jobs or steady income sources were unable to maintain their livelihoods, pay for school fees, or afford high-quality healthcare.
3. Social Stigma and Marginalization
In societies like ours, where athletes are not given enough credit, widows and orphans may undoubtedly experience loneliness or a lack of support.
Furthermore, public sympathy may fade with time, leaving the families to deal with adversity on their own, even if there is occasional support and assistance.
4. Bureaucratic and Institutional Delays
Red tape-induced delays in pension, benefit, and compensation processes could make their lives worse.
Another weakness is the absence of a formal government reaction strategy for athletes who lose their lives while serving the state.
Proposed Solutions
1. Immediate and Long-Term Financial Relief
This relates to the prompt payment of pensions and benefits to the surviving family members through an executive order to the Pension Board.
Monthly stipends for families of the deceased must be adhered to so as to make them financially stable.
2. Educational Scholarship Program
All of the athletes’ children, from present level to university, must be eligible for full government scholarships.
When necessary, the government should collaborate with respectable domestic or foreign NGOs to assist with the special education needs of the children.
3. Employment and Empowerment Support
Widows or adult dependents of the deceased should be automatically eligible for training or career possibilities in state-sponsored or public service programs.
Alternatively, impacted family members should be enrolled in vocational training or company startup grants.
4. Housing and Land Allocations
As a permanent asset and form of restitution, the government ought to provide each grieving family a piece of land or a state-funded house.
In order to enhance livelihood possibilities, the government should give priority to the placement of land sites in urban or semi-urban areas.
Memorial Recommendations in Honor of the Deceased
1. Naming of Infrastructure: At the Mahaha Sports Complex or Kano State Sports Commission, the government ought to think about naming a hall, pavilion, or stadium wing in honor of “Team Kano 22 Martyrs.”
Consideration should also be given to permanent plaques in public sports venues that feature the names and images of the departed.
2. Annual Sporting Event in Their Memory: To honor their legacy and promote sports growth, the government could order the Sports Commission to hold an annual memorial sports competition (such as the “Team Kano Heroes Cup”).
3. State Sports Fund in Their Name: Create a “Fallen Athletes Support Fund” to help the families of athletes who pass away or suffer disabilities while serving.
Utilize the money to aid in the recovery and reintegration of injured athletes into society.
General Policy Recommendations for the Government
1. Athletes’ Welfare and Protection Policy: The government should create a State Athletes Protection Act that covers health insurance, pension schemes for registered sports staff, and insurance for all athletes on state or national assignment.
2. Emergency Response Framework
To deal with disasters like this quickly, clearly, and responsibly, they should also set up a Special Sports Disaster Response Unit.
3. National Integration through Sports
Through national campaigns, the government should use the Kano athletes’ story to advance resilience, national unity, and youth empowerment.
Finally, while the government’s immediate support following the incident was commendable and showed concern, sustainable, institutionalized support is what will truly honor the sacrifice of the deceased athletes.
This tragedy should serve as a catalyst for reforming Nigeria’s approach to athlete welfare, emergency preparedness, and legacy preservation.
There are several ways to accomplish this, but the first is for the government to order the Pension Board to release the deceased athletes’ pensions right away.
The government taking over the athletes’ children’s education from their current level to university is the second such gesture.
The government should also think about designating a hall, an office, or any other building in the sports commission, stadium, or Mahaha Sports Complex in order to honor them collectively rather than individually.
The government may also think about giving the deceased’s wives or children jobs to lessen the impact of losing their breadwinners.
All of these gestures are meant to express gratitude and care for the fallen heroes who lost their lives while serving the state.