Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has honoured the memory of 22 athletes from the state who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in May 2025 by renaming two major sporting institutions after them.
At a solemn event held at the Government House in Kano, Governor Yusuf announced that the Kano State Sports Institute will now be officially known as the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute, while the State Sports Commission will henceforth be called the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission.
“These young heroes made Kano proud. They should be remembered forever. Their commitment and sacrifice to the state will not be forgotten,” the governor said during the ceremony.
The renaming was part of a larger event attended by representatives of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, who visited the state to present a ₦110 million donation to the families of the deceased athletes. Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting the significance of the support during such a painful time.
“We are grateful to Her Excellency, the First Lady, for this generous support. These families are going through unimaginable grief, and this act of kindness provides not only relief but also recognition,” he stated.
Governor Yusuf also pledged a long-term commitment to supporting the bereaved families. He revealed that the state would cover the educational needs of the children left behind, include widows in empowerment schemes, and ensure elderly parents of the deceased athletes also receive assistance.
“The education of their children will be fully sponsored by the state, and their wives will be included in our government’s empowerment programmes. For those without wives, we will ensure their parents are not left out of this support drive,” he assured.
The ill-fated journey that claimed the lives of the 22 athletes occurred just a few kilometres from Kano as they were returning from the National Sports Festival, where they had delivered outstanding performances on behalf of the state.
In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the late athletes were hailed as “heroes who fought for the successes of Kano.” The renaming of the state’s top sports bodies, the statement said, will serve as a lasting tribute and inspiration for future generations.
The gesture has been widely commended across the state and the Nigerian sports community, with many viewing it as a fitting tribute to young lives lost in service to their state and country.
