- Kano Athletes Compensation Sparks Outrage.
- Athletes, Coaches Slam Token Support.
- Fresh Calls for Safer Sports Travel.
Kano State Government has drawn widespread criticism following its decision to award ₦1 million to the families of each of the 22 athletes and officials who died in a tragic accident while returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
On Saturday, May 31, the fatal crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. along the Kaduna-Kano expressway near Gadar Yankifi.
The victims were aboard a state-owned Coaster bus (registration KN 041 A17) when the accident took place, claiming 21 lives instantly, with the toll rising to 22 the following day.
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While the government’s gesture of ₦1 million per family was intended as relief support, it has instead stirred a storm of outrage among athletes, coaches, and members of the public.
Many of those criticising believe the response grossly undervalues the lives of those lost.
“N1 Million Can’t Even Cover the Pain” – Athletes Speak Out
Several athletes who competed at the sports festival voiced their frustration over the gesture, calling it inadequate and insulting.
> “If you are an athlete that has represented this country before or even now, you will know the pain we go through when it comes to travelling for competitions,” said one grieving athlete. “The ₦1 million can’t do anything, not even in today’s economy. I’m sorry, but that looks like how much the government thinks their life is worth.”
Another participant added:
> “These are people we competed against and became friends with. Look at how they are treated in death. It speaks volumes about how some of us still competing might end up. Our governments are just full of discouragement.”
Coaches Question the Travel Decisions
The outrage wasn’t limited to athletes. A coach from the Ondo State Sports Council highlighted the avoidable nature of the tragedy and questioned the state’s transport logistics:
> “Why didn’t the same Kano government use less than this amount of money to book flights? Distance from Kano to Abeokuta isn’t a joke. This is sad.”
Kano Sports Commission Suggests Hiring Relatives
Amid the backlash, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, revealed the commission may recommend hiring relatives of the deceased.
> “These people were among the best staff we had,” Fagge said. “We urge the government to look into absorbing family members of the victims into the commission.”
He further noted that the state had cleared all hospital bills and was open to further compensations upon the governor’s return.
Also Read: Kano State Govt Donates ₦1M to Families of 22 Late Athletes
He also mentioned a state-proposed mass burial, which was declined by the families, who opted for private arrangements.
Ogun State Government Steps In With Support
In a touching gesture, the Ogun State Government sent a delegation led by Deputy Governor Engineer Naimot Salako-Oyedele to Kano, donating ₦31 million to support the victims’ families.
A Bigger Question: How Safe Are Our Athletes?
This tragedy, and the uproar following it, underscores a deeper concern within Nigeria’s sporting community: the safety, welfare, and recognition of athletes and support staff.
Many are now calling for reforms to ensure better treatment, safer travel arrangements, and dignified responses in times of loss.
What do you think about the Kano State Government’s response?
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