In a solemn tribute to the 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a devastating road crash, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday.
The decision was made to honour the victims of the tragic accident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway as the team returned from the National Sports Festival.
The announcement was conveyed through a press statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. The late athletes, coaches, and accompanying state officials had proudly represented Kano State at the recently concluded national event, showcasing their talent and dedication on behalf of their people.
Governor Yusuf, who is currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, expressed deep anguish over the loss, calling it “a dark and painful moment” in the history of Kano State. He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized that the public holiday would serve as a day of collective mourning and reflection for the entire state.
“June 2 has been declared a day for the people of Kano to pause, reflect, and pray for the souls of our beloved athletes and officials whose lives were cut short in service to our state,” the governor stated.
According to official reports, the crash left several others critically injured. The Federal Road Safety Corps had earlier confirmed that the accident involved a bus carrying the Kano State sports contingent. Although earlier reports mentioned 19 fatalities, subsequent verification placed the death toll at 22, including both athletes and support staff.
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The Kano State Government has pledged support for the affected families. Financial assistance and other forms of aid are being arranged, with Governor Yusuf urging citizens to offer moral and emotional support to the grieving families. A sum of ₦1 million has already been donated to each bereaved family to help cushion the immediate impact of the tragedy.
The governor also called on religious leaders, particularly within the Muslim community, to dedicate prayers for the deceased during sermons and gatherings across the state. Mosques and other places of worship are expected to participate in this day of solemn remembrance.
The accident has drawn reactions from several quarters. Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje also issued a condolence statement, describing the incident as heartbreaking and calling for improved safety measures for interstate travel, especially for athletes and youth delegations.
As the people of Kano prepare to mark June 2 with heavy hearts, the mood remains somber across the state. Flags are expected to fly at half-mast as a sign of mourning, while sporting associations, schools, and government offices will suspend activities in honour of the fallen heroes.
This public holiday stands not only as a tribute to the lives lost but also as a reminder of the risks faced by athletes who serve their states with dedication. The memory of the Kano sports team will endure, enshrined in the collective heart of a grieving but proud state.
DailyNews24
