The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter as well as the management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, have expressed deep shock over the loss of 22 athletes and officials of the Kano State contingent to the just concluded 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SWAN Enugu Chairman, Comrade Gideon Iwueke, described the untimely death of the sportsmen and women as tragic, saddening, and a big setback to the growth of sports in Kano State and Nigeria at large. Com Iwueke, while consoling the Government and people of Kano State on the huge loss, also consoled with the SWAN in Kano State.
He also pleaded with the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, to immortalise the departed members of the sports fraternity who paid the ultimate price while serving the country. “The tragic death of 22 Kano State contingent to the National Sports Festival on their way home, is saddening and a huge loss to sports in Nigeria. Their untimely death is a setback to Nigeria’s sports development.
“SWAN Enugu, therefore, uses this medium to commiserate with the Government and good people of Kano State and our brothers, SWAN, Kano Chapter, on this unfortunate incident. The 22 athletes, officials, coaches, Administrators, Journalists, and medical personnel have paid the ultimate price for our sports development.
“We, therefore, as critical stakeholders in sports in the country, appeal to the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, to immortalise these sports persons. Such would accord their memories and their sacrifice the need for national honour,’” Com Iwueke said.
In a related development, Rangers International FC of Enugu also extended its deepest sympathies to the Kano State Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Kano State Sports Commission, and all families affected by the accident that claimed the lives of over twenty athletes and officials returning from the recently concluded, National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.
“From all of us at Rangers International FC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Kano State Sports Commission, and the bereaved families over the tragic motor accident involving the Kano State contingent returning from the recently concluded Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival,” read a statement from the Enugu-based club.
The General Manager and CEO of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, conveyed the club’s sorrow. “We deeply mourn the loss of those who passed away and express our sincere sympathy to those who sustained various degrees of injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement concluded with a prayer for the departed and the injured: “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the injured receive swift and full recovery, we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
