Ogun Governor Sends Delegation to Kano to Consol e Victims’ Families and Offer Support Over Tragic Losses at Gateway Games 2024
Ogun Governor Sends Delegation to Kano to Consol e Victims’ Families and Offer Support Over Tragic Losses at Gateway Games 2024
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday dispatched a delegation to Kano State to offer condolences following the tragic loss of athletes and officials returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), known as Gateway Games 2024.
The governor also announced a support fund of N1 million for each of the families affected, amounting to a total of N31 million, to assist those who lost loved ones.
Led by Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Gateway Games 2024, Dr. Kweku Tandoh. Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Comrade Lanre Ogunyinka; Team Ogun’s coach, Idris Oguntayo; a female athlete from Team Ogun, Ms. Atinuke Onabiyi; and male athlete, Ayomide Oyegbade.
Arriving in Kano yesterday around 9 a.m., the delegation was received by officials led by Kano State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.
Expressing Governor Abiodun’s personal grief over the incident, Engr. Salako-Oyedele conveyed the governor’s condolences to the Kano State government and the affected families. She emphasized the importance of solidarity during this difficult time, noting, “While the governor is currently away on Hajj, we felt compelled to come and show our support for Kano’s government and people.”
She described the tragedy as devastating for Kano, the athletic community, and the families involved, while also praying for the swift recovery of those injured and hospitalized. She commended the efforts of emergency responders, including police and FRSC personnel, who rushed to aid victims, and expressed hope that such an incident would never occur again. Her remarks included prayers for the souls of the departed to find peace and for their families to find strength in this time of grief.
In his response, Kano’s Deputy Governor expressed appreciation for Ogun’s visit and concern, noting that Governor Abiodun had already reached out via a phone call on Saturday to extend his sympathies to Kano.
