Gov Yusuf Declares Monday Public Holiday To Mourn 22 Kano Athletes

The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident while returning from the National Sports Festival on Saturday.

Governor Abba Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, expressed profound grief over the devastating loss, describing it as a “dark moment for the entire state.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the deceased were part of Kano State’s official contingent to the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State which brought together athletes from across Nigeria to compete in various sporting events.

“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured” Governor Yusuf said.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”

Governor Yusuf who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be observed as a work-free day to allow residents to mourn and pray for the souls of the departed.

He also called on Imams and Muslim faithful across the state and beyond, to offer special prayers for the victims and strength for their bereaved families.

Governor Yusuf assured that the government was taking steps to support the injured and the affected families.