The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has disbursed one million naira each to the families of the athletes who lost their lives while returning to Kano after representing the state in the concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.

No fewer than 22 athletes died in the accident on Saturday, throwing the Nigerian sports community and the families of the victims of the tragedy into mourning.

To commiserate with the families of the deceased, Abiodun sent a delegation to Kano on Sunday.

The delegation included Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Oyedele, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Wasiu Isiaka and the Executive Secretary, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Gateway Games Ogun 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh.

Other members of the delegation are: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Lanre Ogunyinka, the Coach of Team Ogun; Idris Oguntayo; a female athlete from Team Ogun, Atinuke Onabiyi; and a male athlete from the same Team, Ayomide Oyegbade.

While addressing the officials of the Kano State Government, Oyedele described the accident as a devastating loss.

“This is a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident,” the deputy governor said.

“We also pray for the speedy recovery of the other people who are in hospital at this time, who rushed to the aid of the victims at the time.”

She also prayed to God to grant the families of the deceased the strength to bear the loss and forgive the shortcomings of the deceased athletes.