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Tag: NSF

  • NSF 2025: Kano govt told to immortalise 22 deceased athletes

    NSF 2025: Kano govt told to immortalise 22 deceased athletes

    Kano State Government has been urged to immortalise the 22 athletes that died in a fatal accident on their way back from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kogi Chapter, made the call in a condolence message signed by its acting secretary, Mr Olatunde Odimayo, in Lokoja.

    The 22 fallen heroes were amongst 39 persons who boarded the ill-fated bus but lost their lives after their bus fell off a bridge on Saturday.

    Odimayo described the incident as tragic and painful, saying immortalising the fallen heroes was imperative in view of the sacrifices.

    “The sports writers in Kogi hereby mourned the demise of the 22 Kano state athletes and officials, who lost their lives in such a tragic road accident while returning to their base from the just-concluded NSF.

    “We are really traumatised by this tragic incident. Information reaching us indicates that these people were young, vibrant, and promising individuals who were determined to make Kano proud both nationally and internationally.

    “SWAN Kogi is using this medium to call on the Kano state government to, as a matter of urgency, immortalise these fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the state,” he stated.

    NSF tragedy: Abiodun sends delegation to Kano, supports victims’ families with N31m

    Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Sunday dispatched a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the Kano State Government and its people over the tragic loss of athletes and officials.

    The sad incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, at about 9am in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The athletes and officials were returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun also announced a financial support package of ₦1 million to each of the bereaved families, totaling ₦31 million as an initial assistance.

    The delegation, led by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka.

    Others were, the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the Gateway Games 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Lanre Ogunyinka.

    Also part of the delegation were Team Ogun’s coach, Idris Oguntayo, as well as two athletes from the state’s team—Ms Atinuke Onabiyi and Mr Ayomide Oyegbade.

    According to the statement, the delegation arrived in Kano at about 9:00 a.m. and was received by officials of the Kano State Government, led by the Deputy Gov. Aminu Gwarzo.

    Salako-Oyedele conveyed the governor’s deep sorrow and condolences.

    “We are here to express the heartfelt sympathies of the Government and people of Ogun State.

    “We understand that His Excellency Gov. Abba Yusuf is currently away on Hajj, but we felt compelled to be here to show our solidarity with him, the bereaved families, and the people of Kano State during this difficult time.

    “This is a devastating loss—not only for Kano state but for the entire sporting community. We also extend our prayers for the swift recovery of those currently receiving medical treatment,” she said.

    She also acknowledged the prompt response from emergency services including the police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and others who rushed to assist the victims.

    In response, Gwarzo expressed profound gratitude for the visit and the governor’s show of compassion.

    He confirmed that Gov. Abiodun had personally reached out by phone on Saturday to commiserate with the government and people of Kano state, noting that the gesture underscored his genuine concern.

  • Kano Govt declares day of mourning for 22 deceased athletes

    Kano Govt declares day of mourning for 22 deceased athletes

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has declared Monday a day of mourning to honour the memory of the 22 Kano athletes and officials who died in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.

    A statement issued in Kano on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sanusi Bature, said the victims, mostly youths, were part of the state’s contingent to the just-concluded 22nd NSF.

    “On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” Bature said.

    He quoted Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operations, as describing the incident as a dark moment for the state.

    “It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” he said.

    The Governor called on the people of the state to remain calm and united during this difficult period, adding that all necessary support would be extended to the families of the deceased and the injured.

    He also urged Imams and faithful across the state and beyond to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for their families to find strength in this moment of grief.

  • FRSC reveals cause of fatal accident that claimed lives of 21 Kano athletes

    FRSC reveals cause of fatal accident that claimed lives of 21 Kano athletes

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed outcome of preliminary investigations into the fatal accident that claimed lives of 21 Kano athletes who were on their way from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, to have disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest driver fatigue and speeding as primary causes.

    This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Malam Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash, which occurred on the Kaduna-Kano expressway, while calling for urgent adherence to road safety measures.

    Mohammed commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the victims.

    The crash, which involved 24 adults, is believed to have resulted from driver fatigue and excessive speed during the long night trip.

    Mohammed said the fatal incident occurred at Gadar Yankifi on the Kaduna-Kano expressway at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.

    According to reports, a coaster bus registered KN 041 A17, owned by the Kano State Government, was involved.

    “The bus carried 24 occupants, 23 males and one female. Twenty-one males died on the spot, while three others, including two males and the lone female, were injured and taken to the hospital.

    “Preliminary investigations suggest driver fatigue and speeding as primary causes, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced and risks are heightened.”

    Mohammed extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, describing the incident as a shared national loss.

    He urged fleet operators to caution drivers against night driving, speeding, and fatigue, which were common causes of avoidable crashes.

    He also called on all road users to prioritise safety by complying with traffic rules, ensuring vehicles were roadworthy, and making sure drivers were well-rested before journeys.

    The Corps Marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and pledged to intensify enforcement efforts to safeguard lives and prevent similar tragedies on Nigerian roads.

  • Tinubu mourns Kano athletes involved in accident

    Tinubu mourns Kano athletes involved in accident

    President Bola Tinubu has received with deep sorrow the tragic news of an accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun.

    On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extended condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families of those who died in the accident, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the his spokesman, said in a statement.

    “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, President Tinubu expressed concern over the flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger, which 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, President 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 are underway, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response. Relief materials and temporary shelters are 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.

    President Tinubu 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.

  • SAD: 20 Kano sports festival athletes perish in ghastly motor accident

    SAD: 20 Kano sports festival athletes perish in ghastly motor accident

    No fewer than 20 sports men, women, officials and journalists were confirmed dead in a fatal accident while returning home from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.

    The incident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Dakatsalle town, about 50 kilometres from Kano, as the team was approaching the final stretch of their journey home.

    Those who lost their lives in the crash include athletes, a journalist, medical personnel, and sports administrators, according to preliminary reports from emergency responders and eyewitnesses.

    Details of the cause of the accident remain sketchy at the time of filing this report, but authorities said emergency response teams were deployed to the scene, and the injured taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

     

    Details shortly…

  • I will change Nigeria, secure future of generations yet unborn – Tinubu

    I will change Nigeria, secure future of generations yet unborn – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has declared his determination to change the fortune of the country and secure the future of generations yet unborn.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday while declaring close the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged: “Gateway Games 2024” in Abeokuta.

    The 14-day competition that featured over 9,000 athletes competing in 33 sporting activities across various centres in Ogun State, was won by Team Delta with a total of 323 medals.

    Addressing the participants, Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, called on governments at all levels to leverage sports for economic growth and development.

    He described sports as driver of economic activities, saying the sports festival has promoted the spirit of togetherness irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, language, and religious differences.

    “The sports festival is not just a celebration of National unity but also a celebration of the can-do spirit of Nigerians.

    “Sports has continued to be a driver of economic and the spirit of togetherness, especially with the accommodation of the athletes in one location. Every single participant in this festival is a winner,” he said.

    Tinubu stressed the need for schools in the country to integrate sports into their school curriculum towards the revatilisation of Sports

    He added that sports have continued to contribute effectively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation’s economy.

    The president  commended the efforts of various stakeholders, especially Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun  for providing the infrastructure for the success of the festival.

    Abiodun thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their fairness and integrity in ensuring that every medal won by the athletes counts to them.

    He congratulated the athletes for their unwavering dedication to excellence and show of sportsmanship.

    “I want to say congratulations; whether you are leaving here as winners, as runners-up, or by way of experience that you have gathered from this festival.

    “You should leave here with your shoulders high, knowing very well that you have represented your state and the nation well.

    “On this note, I want to thank everyone that has made this game a huge success. God bless Nigeria,” Abiodun said.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko commended Ogun government for a successful hosting of the sports festival.

    According to him, with the quality of infrastructure and warmth reception,Ogun has raised the bar and set a new benchmark going forward.

    He added that the festival has demonstrated the growing viability of the sports economy in Nigeria, “from the sale of merchandise to local merchandising, hospitality and the increase of private partnerships”.

    “Ogun 2024 has clearly shown that sports is indeed a driver of economic activities.

    “Your generosity, warmth and efficient coordination have made this festival not only successful but memorable in its spirit, which has resulted in positive outcomes both in sporting terms and in the advancement of economic activities.

    “You provided the best infrastructure and enablers for the games. You welcomed our athletes, officials, and guests with open arms and demonstrated the highest standards of hospitality and organisation.

    “Ogun has indeed raised the bar, and without doubt, these games have now set the benchmark going forward,” he said.

    Dikko also thanked  Tinubu for his steadfast support for sports development as a tool to unite and transform the nation.

    He said that under the Tinubu’s administration, sports has become a pillar for national development, youth engagement and international diplomacy.

    The high point of the event was the handing over of the festival flag to the next host of the 2026 National Sports Festival,  Enugu State by Abiodun.

    The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    It brings together athletes from across the country to compete, promoting unity, sportsmanship, and excellence nationwide.

  • NSF: We will host a better sports festival in 2026 – Enugu Govt

    NSF: We will host a better sports festival in 2026 – Enugu Govt

    The Enugu State Government has promised to organised  a quality 23rd  National Sports Festival (NSF) in December 2026 in the state.

    Lloyd Ekweremadu, Commissioner for Sports in the State, said this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Thursday.

    Ekweremadu said the state was impressed with the level of organisation put in place by the Ogun government,  noting that it had become a standard for future festivals, especially the 23rd edition.

    He said Enugu State was one of the safest state in Nigeria as Gov. Peter Mba  had addressed the situation and brought the sit-at-home menace to a permanent end.

    According to him, Enugu is very ready, we have been here and we have seen what happened here.

    “I must say that Ogun  has done well, we assure that you can expect a better deal in Enugu,” he said.

    The commissioner said the  State would work with  the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at both the national and state levels to ensure that adequate accommodation and seamless movement of journalists was provided.

    He also said that the sports festival in Enugu would be a pilgrimage experience for visitors as there would be a lot of sites to visit.

    According to him, the places to visit included Awhum Waterfalls, Nsude Pyramid, Forest Park in Ngwo and Okpatu hills among others.

    Responding, Isaiah Benjamin, President of SWAN commended Enugu State for the bold steps of hosting the festival and wished them a good outing.

    Benjamin urged the commissioner and the organiser to accord priority to the media and ensure that SWAN was an integral part of the planning process, especially as it concerns  media accreditaion.

    He promised the collaboration of SWAN with the Enugu State government, National Sports Commission (NSC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the game succeeded.

    The sports festival which started on May 16 will end on May 30.

  • Final medals table: Obasanjo reacts as Delta wins 22nd NSF

    Final medals table: Obasanjo reacts as Delta wins 22nd NSF

    Team Delta on Thursday emerged overall winner of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun, securing 122 gold, 96 silver and 105 bronze medals.

    This gave Delta a total of 323 medals, placing them at the top of the final medals table at the conclusion of the festival.

    Bayelsa finished second with 92 gold, 62 silver and 70 bronze medals, amounting to 224 overall.

    Ogun, the host of the festival, came third after winning 90 gold, 64 silver and 78 bronze medals, totalling 232.

    Rivers maintained fourth place with 74 gold, 56 silver and 63 bronze medals, giving them a total of 193.

    Edo State finished in fifth position, having won 63 gold, 96 silver and 115 bronze medals, totalling 274 overall.

    The final medals table revealed that 2,052 medals were shared among Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    It brings together athletes from across the country to compete, promoting unity, sportsmanship, and excellence nationwide.

    See final medals table below:

    22nd National Sports Festival (NSF)
    Final medals table of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF)

    National Sports Festival, triumph of national unity – Obasanjo

    Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that NSF has proved to be more than festival of sports but a display of abundant talents possessed by Nigerians and triumph of national unity.

    Obasanjo spoke through a recorded video played during the closing ceremony of the 22nd NSF at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on Thursday  in  Abeokuta.

    The former President hailed the courage and sportsmanship of all the participants from the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

    He stated that the Gateway Games 2024 had further reinforced the fact that in every Nigerian lies the capacity for greatness.

    Obasanjo said the participants must therefore let the flame of friendship, bond and national unity Kindled in the state to remain aflame to build a prosperous nation.

    ”As the curtain draws on the 22nd edition of NSF, the participants must remember that they are all not only sports champions but champions of unity, diligence, resilience and national pride.

    “I urge you not to let the flame kindled here in Ogun go dim. Let it burn in our schools, our communities, our institutions and in every young heart determined to contribute to the Nigeria that we must have ,” he said.

    Obasanjo commended  Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for collaborating with other stakeholders to organise a world class sporting festival.

    He said that the governor had proudly demonstrated the strength, capacity, and hospitality of the people of Ogun.

  • BREAKING: Delta wins 22nd national sports festival

    BREAKING: Delta wins 22nd national sports festival

    Team Delta has been officially declared overall winner of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) hosted by Ogun State.

    The NSF tagged “Gateway Games 2024” was the declared opened by President Bola Tinubu on May 18.

    Details later….

  • NSF Day 11: Delta coasting to overall winner with 265 medals

    NSF Day 11: Delta coasting to overall winner with 265 medals

    Team Delta is coasting to overall winner of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun with 265 medals.

    Delta, in a clear lead of the 36 other states on the medals table, has won 106 gold, 72 silver and 87 bronze, bringing the state’s total medals to 264.

    Bayelsa sustains the chase with 80 gold, 54 silver and 54 bronze medals, totalling 188.

    Ogun, the host state, maintains third position with 67 gold, 55 silver and 61 bronze, with a total of 183 medals.

    Meanwhile, Rivers sustained its grip on fourth position with 59 gold, 46 silver and 53 bronze, totalling 158 medals.

    The table indicated that Edo remains fifth with 55 gold, 86 silver and 89 bronze, bringing the number of medals to 230.

    The table at the time of filing this report showed that a total of 1,684 medals have so far been won.

    The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government.

    It brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT to compete in various sports, promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across Nigeria.