NSC Chairman, Dikko Pays Condolence Visit to Kano Over Accident

Posted : 04 June 2025

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, formally visited Kano State today to convey the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government to the government and people of Kano State over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes and officials returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun.

Just back from London—where he was a special guest at the Unity Cup final and held strategic meetings to facilitate domestic sports development—Mallam Dikko, visibly shaken, headed straight to Kano upon arrival in Nigeria. He was received by the Deputy Governor of the state, Comr. Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, as the Governor was away in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

The Deputy Governor was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim; the Head of Service; commissioners; officials of the Kano State Sports Commission; and other top government functionaries. His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, also conveyed his appreciation from Saudi Arabia.

Mallam Dikko visited the families of the deceased athletes at various locations across the city before visiting the nine recuperating athletes at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital.

He took the opportunity to extend the condolences of the President, the Federal Government, and the entire nation to the grieving families and athletes, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering support during this trying time.

Speaking afterwards, Mallam Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to supporting both the bereaved families and the recovering athletes.

In his words:

“The NSC, on behalf of the Federal Government, has offered to interface with the state government to establish a proper framework for supporting the families of the deceased and ensuring the adequate rehabilitation of the survivors.

“This injury is shared by all. It is a tragically momentous period in our sporting history, and we want to assure the state government and the individual families that we are all grieving together. We will do all that is necessary to support them.”

“I had to cut short my trip to the UK, where I was holding strategic meetings to boost our domestic sports sector, in order to come down and visit the people of Kano.”

“Going forward, the need for enhanced safety and welfare of participating athletes—before, during, and after major sporting events—will become even more topical.

“Our prayer is that such a tragedy never happens again. The President and the Federal Government stand solidly with the people of Kano during this time and always.”

While thanking the NSC Chairman, the Deputy Governor expressed the state’s appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for their concern and continued support.

He welcomed the NSC’s commitment to engaging with the state and collaborating to provide the necessary succor to the affected families.

A representative of the families, who welcomed the Chairman at the community mosque, led by the Chief Imam, expressed their gratitude to the President for his demonstration of concern.

The NSC Chairman was accompanied by the NSC Director of Finance and Administration, Alamin Mustapha; Director of Facilities, Muhammed Rabiu; Director of Special Duties; Directors of Audit; and the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Protocol to the Chairman, Honorable Ahmed Muazu Kawu.

NSC Chairman, Dikko Pays Condolence Visit to Kano Over Accident

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