Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the 22nd National Sports Festival Organising Committee, has expressed deep sorrow following the death of 19 members of the Kano State contingent. The group was returning home after participating in the recently concluded festival held in Ogun State.
Olopade said he was devastated by the news, describing the tragedy as a painful blow to the entire Nigerian sports community. He recalled the joy and unity the festival had just created, only for it to be followed by such heartbreaking loss. He noted that Kano’s team had always brought pride and energy to the event, and the sudden death of its athletes, officials, and journalists was a loss felt across the country.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the Governor of Kano State, and the people of Kano. Olopade also prayed for the recovery of those injured in the accident and pledged personal and institutional support to the state.
The NSC boss said the incident had raised urgent concerns about the safety of all sports participants. He emphasized the need for better transport arrangements, stronger insurance policies, and active collaboration with safety agencies. He pledged to lead efforts to make sure such tragedies are never repeated.
In his words, this moment calls for more than policy reviews—it calls for personal commitment. He promised to work closely with relevant stakeholders to improve safety measures and ensure that no athlete, coach, or sports journalist faces such danger again in the line of duty.
Olopade concluded by paying tribute to the deceased and calling for their memory to inspire greater care and responsibility within Nigerian sports.
