President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said 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.

Bayo Onanuga said, “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,” as quoted from President Tinubu. Onanuga further stated that the President affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord the victims is 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. “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 in a separate statement regarding the Niger State flooding tragedy.

Onanuga said President Tinubu 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. The President 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,” the President said. Bayo Onanuga added that the President directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.