NSF tragedy: NSC Chairman visits Kano, conveys President Tinubu’s condolences

By Amaechi Agbo

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko today formally visited Kano State 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 in the nation, a visibly shaken Mallam Dikko headed straight to Kano upon arrival in Nigeria and was welcomed by the Deputy Governor  of the State Comr. Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo as the Governor was away to 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 families of the deceased athletes at various locations across the city before visiting the nine recuperating athletes at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital.

He seized the opportunity to convey the condolences of the President and the Federal Government and the entire Nigeria to the grieving families and athletes while echoing the Federal Government’s unflinching support for them at this very trying times.

Speaking afterwards, Mallam Dikko voiced the Commission’s commitment to supporting the families and the recuperating athletes.

His words, “the NSC on behalf of the Federal Government has offered to interface with the state government to come up with a proper framework to support the families of the dead and also the proper  rehabilitation of the survivors. This injury is to all. It is a tragically momentous period in our sporting history and we want to let the state government and the individual families know that we are all grieving together and we will do all that is needed in supporting the families.

“I had to cut short my trip to UK where I was holding strategic meetings to boost our domestic sports 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 now. Our prayer is that this should never happen again. And the President and the Federal Government are solidly behind the people of Kano at a time such as this 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 continuous support. He expressed delight with NSC’s commitment to engage the state and work in collaboration towards providing  the requisite succor to the families.

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

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