Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has immortalized 22 Kano athletes who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in May 2025.
Yusuf made the announcement during a ceremony held at the Government House in Kano.
He said the Kano State Sports Institute will now be known as the ‘Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute’.
In addition, the governor said that the Kano State Sports Commission will bear the name, ‘Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission’, in honour of the late sportsmen and women.
“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.
The governor made the announcement during a courtesy visit by representatives of the First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, who donated N110 million to the bereaved families.
He appreciated the First Lady for the donation to the families, whom he said were going through unimaginable grief.
“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,” the governor added.
Yusuf pledged the Kano government’s continued support for the families of the deceased.
DAILY POST reports that tragic incident, which occurred just five kilometres away from Kano, shocked the nation and plunged the sports community into mourning.
Recall that the athletes were returning home after representing Kano at the National Sports Festival, where they had reportedly delivered outstanding performances.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, reiterated that the fallen athletes were heroes who fought for the success of Kano State and deserve to be immortalised for their patriotism and excellence.
According to the statement, the renaming of the two key sports institutions would stand as a permanent symbol of honour, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made by those who wore the state’s colours with pride.
