Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa Mourns Death of Kano Athletes in Tragic Road Accident
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, May 31, 2025
KANO, Nigeria — A heavy veil of sorrow engulfed Kano State on Saturday as Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the representative of Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, joined thousands of mourners in grieving the tragic loss of promising young athletes from Kano. The athletes, who had just competed valiantly at the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State, lost their lives in a devastating road accident near Dakatsalle town, just a few kilometers from Kano metropolis.
The victims were part of Kano State’s official sports contingent returning home after weeks of rigorous competition and dedication. The National Sports Festival, widely regarded as a pinnacle event in Nigeria’s sporting calendar, had showcased their talent and determination on the national stage, raising hopes for the future of sports in the state and country.
The accident, which claimed several lives and left others critically injured, has plunged the Kano sports community into mourning. Eyewitness accounts describe the harrowing scene of the crash, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety protocols for athletes traveling across the nation.
From Saudia Arabia, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa issued a heartfelt statement expressing his profound grief over the catastrophe.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” he began solemnly. “I have just received the heartbreaking news of the accident involving members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. My prayers are with the souls of those who have departed. May Allah SWT grant them Jannatul Firdaus and bring swift healing to those injured.”
He extended his deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, acknowledging the collective pain felt by the Kano State Government and the entire Nigerian sporting fraternity.
“These young athletes embodied hope, resilience, and the bright future of Nigerian sports. Their tragic and untimely passing is a painful blow not only to Kano but to the entire nation,” Hon. Doguwa said. “This tragedy underscores the fragility of life and the urgent need to prioritize and improve transportation safety for our sports ambassadors, who risk so much to represent their states and country with pride.”
Hon. Doguwa, a longtime advocate for youth and sports development, urged the government at all levels to initiate immediate measures aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of athletes, including better road infrastructure, safer travel arrangements, and emergency response protocols.
The news of the accident has sent shockwaves through Kano and beyond, as community leaders, sports officials, and citizens alike pour out their condolences and call for solidarity in support of the victims’ families. Tributes continue to pour in, highlighting the dedication, talent, and potential of the departed athletes who had inspired many through their hard work and determination.
As Kano and Nigeria mourn this immense loss, there are renewed demands from sports associations and advocacy groups for comprehensive reforms to protect athletes traveling to national and international competitions. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by young talents and the urgent need for systemic changes.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their legacy inspire future generations of Nigerian athletes to pursue their dreams with even greater resolve and safety.
