August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
No Life is Cheap: NAPS Senate Arm Backs Protest Against Dangote Plc
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has declared its full support for the nationwide protest scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, insisting that “No Nigerian Life is Cheap.” The protest follows the tragic accident involving a Dangote truck and Miss Ruth Otabor, a fresh graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, which has once again exposed the dangers of unchecked corporate negligence on Nigerian highways.
The accident, which left Ruth hospitalised at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, highlights the recurring danger posed by recklessly operated trucks on Nigerian highways. While Dangote Plc has expressed sympathy and pledged assistance, the Senate Arm insists that real action must follow.
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We echo the demands of the NAPS Action Committee led by Comrade Olasunkanmi Ijaduoye, including:
- Automatic employment for Miss Ruth Otabor upon recovery.
- Decent housing and full medical care for Ruth and the injured bike rider.
- Lifelong support for victims of the crash.
- Provision of pedestrian bridges, speed bumps, and FRSC units within student host communities.
- Immediate accountability for the driver involved, alongside an overhaul of Dangote’s recruitment and safety policies.
This protest is bigger than Ruth; it is about every Nigerian life lost to avoidable accidents caused by corporate negligence. We therefore call on students, workers, civil society, artisans, faith leaders, and every Nigerian of conscience to join in demanding justice.
August 20, 2025, is not just a date, it is a call to action. Until justice is done, until Ruth and the victims are properly cared for, and until our roads are safer, the Polytechnic community will not relent.
Signed:
Comr. Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
President of the Senate
Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim
Clerk of the Senate.
August 19, 2025
