Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved that all Kano athletes travelling to the Asaba 2025 National Youth Games will be airlifted to Delta State instead of travelling by road.
This decision was shared by the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge, after a meeting with the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Alhaji Fagge explained that the move is part of the governor’s promise to protect young athletes, following the tragic loss of 22 athletes from Kano who died in a road accident on their way back from the Gateway Games in Ogun State.
“The government is doing everything to make sure such a terrible incident never happens again,” Fagge said.
Kano will send a delegation of over 170 athletes to Asaba, where they will compete in 17 different sports.
Fagge also urged the athletes to be disciplined, work hard, and make Kano proud during the games:
“You are ambassadors of Kano State. Compete with pride and represent the people and government well.”
To support local transport in Asaba, the state has also arranged for two Coaster buses, each with two drivers, to help move the team from the Asaba Airport and handle local travel needs during the event.