Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to honour the memory of 22 young athletes and officials who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival.
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The announcement was made on Saturday through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who confirmed that the accident occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway and left several others critically injured.
The victims were part of Kano’s contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival, and included athletes, coaches, and state officials who had represented the state in various sporting events.
The governor, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operations, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss. He noted that the incident marked a dark and painful moment for the entire state.
The public holiday was declared to allow citizens to mourn, reflect, and pray for the souls of the deceased. Residents across the state have also been encouraged to extend their thoughts and prayers to the grieving families.
The state government is making efforts to support those affected by the accident, and has urged religious leaders and the Muslim community to pray for the victims and their loved ones.
