Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has renamed two major state institutions in memory of 22 athletes who died in a motor accident in May. The athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival when the accident occurred close to Kano.
In a statement released on Sunday by his chief press secretary, Mustapha Muhammed, Governor Yusuf announced that the Kano State Sports Institute is now the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute. Similarly, the Kano State Sports Commission has been renamed the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission.
Governor Yusuf stated the athletes brought pride to Kano and their commitment to sports development would be remembered.
He added that the state government will provide for the education of their children and offer empowerment programmes for their widows. Unmarried athletes’ parents will also receive support.
The governor acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her donation of N110 million to the bereaved families.