Following the devastating road accident that claimed the life of 20 Kano athletes, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a head of the southwest of the new Popular Party of Nigeria (NNPP), has joined the growing number of national figures that cry the tragic loss.
The athletes, who returned from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, state of Ogun, died when the bus that transported them left the Dakatsalle bridge in the area of ​​the local government of Kura of the state of Kano on Saturday.
Since then, the incident has launched the State, and the Nigerian sports community, in deep pain.
In a sincere message of condolence addressed to the governor of the state of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the families of the deceased, Ambassador Ajadi expressed surprise and deep pain for what he described as “an indescribable tragedy that has happened not only the state of Kano, but the soul of our nation.”
“My heart bleeds for young and promising athletes whose lives were daring in such a painful and inopportune way,” Ajadi said.
“These were not only athletes and women, but were symbols of hope, discipline and national unity. His death is a monumental loss for our country.”
Ambassador Ajadi, who was the candidate for Governor of NNPP in the state of Ogun during the 2023 general elections, is known for his philanthropic initiatives and youth empowerment programs. Based on his deep concern for the youth and public security of Nigeria, he asked federal and state governments to take immediate measures to improve the decomposition road infrastructure of the country.
“We cannot continue losing the best and brightest on the roads that should have been fixed decades ago. This is a call of attention. The Dakatsalle bridge, like many other careless structures throughout the country, is a death trap. We need action, not just words,” he added.
He also denounced the lack of adequate transport infrastructure for athletes, pointing out the need for Nigeria to emulate the nations developed in the way he treats their sports talents.
“This ugly and avoidable incident could have been avoided if good comforts and an environment conducive to our talents will be provided. Our talents deserve good mobility such as flights, which is the standard mobility that the governments of developed countries provide to their athletes,” he said.
Ajadi went further to emphasize that deceased athletes should not be forgotten or treated as mere casualties. Instead, he requested the national recognition of his sacrifice.
“These young athletes must be recognized as heroes and heroines who died at the service of the nation. They are Nigerian sport martyrs and unity,” he said. “The Federal Government, together with the state governments of Ogun and Kano, should provide the deceased's families and ensure that posthumous honors are granted.”
The accident, according to face -to -face witnesses, occurred when the driver lost control of the bus near the old and narrow bridge, an infrastructure relic that for a long time has been subject to public concern. Emergency responders and local residents mobilized quickly to rescue the survivors, who are now receiving treatment at the Kura General Hospital.
Ajadi echoed this feeling in his message, describing athletes as “peace and excellence ambassadors who died in the fulfillment of duty.”
“His sacrifice should not be in vain. We are honoring his memory not only with the duel but with the reforms: real and sustainable reforms in the welfare areas of athletes, road safety and national infrastructure,” he emphasized.
In addition, he asked for a national moment of silence during future sporting events and urged sports federations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and fellow political leaders to support the afflicted families beyond simple condolences.
As the black tapes and mourning banners rise in Kano's sports centers, the cries of justice and responsibility become stronger. For now, families cry, a state cry and a reflex nation, the time of this tragedy spies a very old change.