President Bola Tinubu has said that accident involving members of the Kano state contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun state cast a shadow on the event.
The President who ordered emergency response to the victims of flooding in in Mokwa, Niger state, said this in a release by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday.
According to the release, the President received with deep sorrow the tragic news of an accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the sports festival.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident.
“This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” the President said.
Tinubu paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He affirmed that the greatest honour the country could accord them was to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
In a related development, the President expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has led to the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous families.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time,” the President stated on his X handle on Friday night.
Upon receiving the initial reports, Tinubu directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and has since been fully briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.
Search-and-rescue operations were underway, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response. Relief materials and temporary shelters were being deployed without delay.
“I assure all those impacted that our government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response—one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” the President said.
The President also directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.
He called on all Nigerians to keep the people of Mokwa in their thoughts and prayers.
“In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity,” the President said in a personal statement.
