Kano Declares Monday Public Holiday to Mourn Late Athletes

The Kano State Government has announced a public holiday on Monday, June 2, 2025, to mourn the tragic death of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who lost their lives in a severe auto accident. 

The group was returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

Governor Abba Yusuf, currently performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, described the accident as a somber moment for the state, mourning the loss of some of Kano’s most talented young people.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by his spokesman, Sanusi Tofa, the governor expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected and the entire sporting community.

“It is with great sadness that I learned about the tragic loss of 22 young citizens and the injuries sustained by others. On behalf of Kano State’s government and people, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased. We share in your grief during this difficult time,” Governor Yusuf stated.

The statement confirmed that the victims were part of the official Kano delegation to the National Sports Festival, comprising athletes, coaches, and other officials.

The crash happened along the Kano–Zaria expressway.

“This tragedy is a devastating loss to the entire state, as many of those who perished were promising young talents representing Kano on the national stage,” the statement added.

Governor Yusuf called on residents to remain calm and united, assuring them that the government would provide necessary assistance to the families of the deceased and those injured.

To pay tribute to the victims, the governor ordered that Monday be observed as a public holiday, encouraging citizens to take the day to reflect, pray, and support the grieving families.

“As a mark of respect, His Excellency has directed that June 2, 2025, be a public holiday for the people of Kano to mourn and remember the departed,” the statement said.

The government also appealed to Islamic clerics and the Muslim community both within Kano and beyond to offer prayers for the victims and strength for their loved ones.