The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of Hospital Management at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of athletes and officials from Kano State who died in a fatal accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement released to the media, Dr. Israel described the incident as a “rude shock” and a devastating blow to the nation’s sporting community. He noted that the deceased were part of a successful and well-organized festival that had placed Ogun State, and Nigeria at large, in the spotlight of global sporting attention.
“The National Sports Festival served as a platform to unveil untapped talents that could potentially become global icons. It is deeply saddening that some of these promising individuals have met an untimely death so soon after the event’s conclusion,” Dr. Israel lamented.
The accident, which occurred less than 48 hours after the festival was officially closed by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun CFR, has sparked nationwide grief and calls for better safety measures for athletes and officials in transit.
“As humans, we are touched by this heartbreaking news, but we believe that our end is divinely ordained and hidden from us,” Dr. Israel said.
On behalf of the APC Youth Wing, Dr. Israel extended heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the bereaved families. He also expressed solidarity with the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the local youths who provided first aid and helped rush the injured to the nearest hospitals,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth welfare and safety, Dr. Israel prayed for peace for the departed and strength for those left behind.
“My prayer is that such a tragic incident shall never occur again. May Almighty Allah accept the souls of the deceased, forgive their shortcomings, and grant them Aljanat Firdaus,” he concluded.
