The death of 21 brave athletes in Kano State is a great loss not only to their families but also to the entire people of Kano State and the nation at large. These young people sacrificed their lives and energy to travel from a long distance to Ogun State to represent Kano State and make us proud in the nation. Unfortunately and sadly, these gallant and heroic athletes lost their lives some kilometers to reach their destination.
Though their death is irreplaceable and cannot be brought back, their memory shouldn’t be allow to fade from the history of Kano State. With a heavy heart, sad and painful mood, I am calling on and urging the Kano State Government to immortalize the athletes to keep their promises and alive.
Commendably, the state government has taken necessary measures, demonstrated its commitment to mourning the deaths of these irreplaceable souls by declaring a one-day public holiday- there’s is also need for the state government to immortalize the 21 state athletes.
The Kogi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, through its secretary, Olatunde Odimayo, has also called on the Kano State Government to immortalize the 21 Kano State athletes and officials who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
As a concerned citizen of Kano State, I consider their call important and not one that can be neglected or taken for granted, given the huge contributions and services the athletes rendered to Kano State. This would go a long way in remembering their lifetime and services. To ensure the people of Kano remember them, it should be kept in history, leaving a lasting impact.
Notably, since the incident occurred in the sports sector, I patiently appeal and call on the Kano State Government to rename the Kano Sports Institute Karfi to 21 Athletes Sports Institute, Kano.The institution was established between 2011 and 2015 during the administration of Kwankwasiyya.Without doubt, renaming the Kano Sports Institute Kurfi to honor these athletes would inspires future generations and preserves the athletes legacy’s.
Similarly, the Kano State Government should provide automatic scholarships to the families of athletes and officials, including coaches, who lost their lives, to support their children education and well-being.
May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
