Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦110 million to support the families of 22 athletes from Kano State who lost their lives in a tragic accident earlier this year.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to the Kano State governor, each of the bereaved families received ₦5 million.
The funds were provided through the Victim Support Fund, an initiative aimed at easing financial hardship and aiding emotional recovery after tragic events.
Kano State Government Adds ₦130 Million
In addition to the First Lady’s contribution, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf donated ₦130 million.
Each of the 10 surviving injured athletes received ₦2 million and a plot of land, while families of the deceased received an additional ₦5 million.
The governor had earlier released ₦22 million shortly after the incident, giving ₦1 million to each family and ₦500,000 to each injured athlete.
Total Support Exceeds ₦321 Million
Other notable donations include:
₦32 million from the Ogun State Government
₦20 million from the Jigawa State Government
₦2.2 million and contributions from Engineer Sagir Koki
In total, financial support has reached ₦321.2 million, including donations in cash, land plots, and 30 bags of rice.
The Kano State Accountant General supervised the direct disbursement of the funds during a special ceremony.
Lasting Tribute and Fair Distribution
To honor the memory of the deceased, Governor Yusuf announced that the Kano Sports Institute in Karfi will now be renamed the “Kano 22 Athletes Institute.”
For fairness in distributing the funds in line with Islamic principles, Sharia courts have been appointed to oversee the first trench of ₦6,709,375 to each family.
Families Express Deep Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Alhaji Baffa Indabawa, Chairman of the victims’ relatives, expressed heartfelt appreciation.
“We are grateful to the First Lady and the Kano State Government for this deeply consoling and dignified response to our tragedy,” he said.
Background: The Tragic Crash
The 22 athletes lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Saturday, May 31, 2025, near Gadar Yankifi along the Kaduna Kano Expressway.
They were returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.