KANO, Nigeria — The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the 22 athletes and officials who died in a tragic road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement was made on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.
According to the statement, the victims—mostly young athletes—were part of the state’s official contingent to the just-concluded national competition.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” Bature said.
Governor Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, described the accident as a “dark moment” for the state.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” the Governor said.
In his message, Yusuf called on the people of Kano to remain united and calm in the face of the tragedy, assuring them that the government would provide all necessary support to the families affected.
He also urged Islamic clerics and worshippers across the state and beyond to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and for their families to find strength and comfort during this period of grief.
The cause of the accident has not yet been disclosed by authorities. Further investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event involving athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Kano delegation had been returning from this year’s edition when the tragedy occurred.
Flags are expected to fly at half-mast in Kano on Monday, and the state government has directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to observe the holiday in solemn remembrance of the victims.
