The Kano State Government has announced that Monday, June 2, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday in remembrance of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who lost their lives in a fatal accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Yusuf, currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, referred to the incident as a “dark moment” for Kano, noting that it involved the loss of some of the state’s brightest youth.
A statement issued on Saturday and signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, conveyed the governor’s profound sorrow and his sympathies to the affected families and the sports community.
“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.
“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 was quoted as saying.
According to the statement, the individuals involved in the crash were members of Kano’s official team to the National Sports Festival, including athletes, coaches, and other government representatives.
The tragic event took place along the Kano–Zaria expressway.
“This tragedy is a collective loss that has thrown the entire state into mourning.
“Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud at a national stage,” the statement read.
Governor Yusuf urged the public to stay united and composed in this time of sorrow, promising that the state government would extend full support to both the families of the deceased and those who survived.
To pay tribute to those lost, the governor ordered that Monday be set aside as a public holiday, and encouraged the citizens of Kano to spend the day in reflection, prayer, and solidarity with the grieving 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.
The government also called on Islamic religious leaders and the broader Muslim community, both within Kano and elsewhere, to hold special prayers for the deceased and ask for strength for their families.
