The people of Kano State have been asked to down tools on Monday, June 2, 2025, in honour of 22 members of the state’s sports delegation who tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, approved the holiday as a mark of respect and mourning for the deceased, most of whom were described as “young, vibrant talents” who had represented Kano on the national stage.
“This is a dark moment for our state. We have lost some of our brightest young people athletes, coaches, and dedicated officials who gave their best for Kano,” the governor said in a condolence statement signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa.
The fatal crash occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway as the team made their way back from the 2025 edition of the National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s biggest sporting event which gathers athletes from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The event, which held this year in Abeokuta, serves as a platform to discover and celebrate grassroots sporting talents.
The Kano delegation was returning from the competition when their bus was involved in a ghastly accident that claimed 22 lives and left several others severely injured.
“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’s statement read. “On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”
The governor called on religious leaders and the larger Muslim community to offer special prayers for the souls of the departed and to ask for strength for the affected families.
“As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be declared a public holiday for the people of Kano to mourn and pray for the departed souls,” the statement added.
Kano State, a consistent top performer in national youth games and sports development, had sent a full delegation to the 2025 National Sports Festival. The identities of the victims have yet to be fully disclosed at the time of this report, but officials confirmed that they were part of the core team representing the state in multiple disciplines.
While the government has pledged full support to the bereaved families, the incident has sparked a wider conversation on the safety of team transportation during national assignments, especially for youth athletes.
Governor Yusuf urged residents to remain calm, supportive, and prayerful, adding that the state will do everything within its capacity to honour the victims and assist their families in this time of deep sorrow.
“Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud at a national stage,” the statement said. “Let us remain united and strong in the face of this tragedy. May Allah grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear this loss.”
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Meanwhile, arrangements for the burial of the deceased and medical care for the injured are being coordinated by the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Health.
