Governor Dapo Abiodun Sends Delegation, Donates ₦31 Million to Bereaved Families in Kano
Governor Dapo Abiodun has reached out with compassion, sending ₦31 million in financial aid to support families of Kano athletes who died in a tragic road accident.
A delegation from Ogun State delivered condolences, emphasizing unity and shared grief in a somber moment for Nigeria’s sporting community.
In a deeply moving act of solidarity and compassion, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State following the tragic deaths of athletes and officials returning from the recently concluded Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival, hosted in Ogun State.
On Sunday, a high-powered delegation was dispatched to Kano by Governor Abiodun to express sympathy and deliver financial assistance to the bereaved families. Each of the 31 families affected by the fatal road accident received ₦1 million as an initial support package, totaling ₦31 million.
The delegation was headed by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and included key state officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the Gateway Games, Dr. Kweku Tandoh. Also in the delegation were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Comrade Lanre Ogunyinka; Team Ogun Coach, Idris Oguntayo; and two athletes representing the state Ms. Atinuke Onabiyi and Mr. Ayomide Oyegbade.
Upon arrival in Kano around 9 a.m., the Ogun State officials were warmly received by a delegation from the Kano State Government, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abiodun, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele conveyed a message of deep sorrow and solidarity. She acknowledged that although Governor Abiodun was currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, he remained deeply affected by the incident and insisted on extending support to the grieving families and the Kano State Government.
“This is a tragic moment, not only for Kano State but also for the entire sports community in Nigeria,” Salako-Oyedele stated. “We are here to share in your grief, to stand with you, and to offer our heartfelt condolences. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who are still in the hospital.”
She further extended gratitude to the emergency responders including the police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other organizations that provided swift aid to the victims. “May we never experience such tragedy again,” she added, offering prayers for the deceased to find peace in Aljanat Firdaus and for their families to be granted the strength to bear the loss.
Responding on behalf of the Kano State Government, Deputy Governor Gwarzo expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a testament to true leadership and empathy. He confirmed that Governor Abiodun had earlier reached out via telephone to personally express his condolences.
“The visit of this delegation and the support extended show that Governor Abiodun truly shares in our grief. We are thankful for this demonstration of unity, and we pray for continued peace and protection for all our states,” Gwarzo stated.
The gesture has been widely praised as a demonstration of inter-state compassion and responsible governance during a time of mourning and national sorrow.
