By Amaechi Agbo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter has expressed deep shock over the loss of 22 athletes and officials of Kano State contingent to the just concluded 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SWAN Enugu Chairman, Comrade Gideon Iwueke, described the untimely death of the sports men and women as tragic, saddening and a big set back to the growth of sports in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
Com Iwueke while consoling the Government and people of Kano State on the huge loss also consoled with the SWAN in Kano State.
He also pleaded with the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, to imortalise the departed members of the sports fraternity who paid the ultimate price while serving the country.
“The tragic death of 22 Kano State contingent to the National Sports Festival on their way home, is saddening and a huge loss to sports in Nigeria. Their untimely death is a setback to Nigeria’s sports development.
“SWAN Enugu therefore uses this medium to commiserate with the Government and good people of Kano State and our brothers SWAN, Kano Chapter on this unfortunate incident. The 22 athletes, officials, coaches, Administrators, Journalists and medical personnel have paid the ultimate price for our sports development.
“We therefore, as a critical stakeholders in sports in the country appeal to the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, to imortalise these sports persons. Such would accord their memories and their sacrifice the need national honour,’” Com Iwueke said.
On their part, Rangers International FC has extended its deepest sympathies to the Kano State Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Kano State Sports Commission, and all families affected by the accident that claimed the lives of over twenty athletes and officials returning from the recently concluded, National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.
The General Manager and CEO of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, conveyed the club’s sorrow.
“From all of us at Rangers International FC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Kano State Sports Commission, and the bereaved families over the tragic motor accident involving the Kano State contingent returning from the recently concluded Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival.
“We deeply mourn the loss of those who passed away and express our sincere sympathy to those who sustained various degrees of injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
It could be recalled that 22 of Kano State contingent to the Festival died on Saturday while returning to the state from Ogun State. The Accident which led to the coastal bus swerving off the road while on the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by athletes and support staff traveling for competitions, and the wider sports community continues to offer its support to Kano State during this challenging period.
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