Dangote Expresses Deep Sadness Over Ruth Otabor’s Death, Road Safety Questions Persist
The management of Dangote Cement Plc has expressed profound sadness over the death of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, who passed away on August 31, 2025, after being struck by one of its trucks in Auchi, Edo State.
In an emotional statement, the company said:
“On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time… Despite all efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today.”
Dangote Cement disclosed that since the August 13 accident, its officials and insurance partners had been at Ruth’s side, covering medical costs, arranging family support, and even planning her evacuation to India for advanced treatment before she succumbed.
A Family’s Pain and a Nation’s Outrage
The Otabor family, through their solicitors, confirmed Ruth’s passing, describing it as a devastating blow coming barely six days after her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic.
Her sister, Phyna, alleged attempts to shield the truck driver from justice, accusing the police of removing the licence plates and noting that the driver had no valid licence.
“Na money you get, you no be God. But my God is bigger. Enough is enough. My family demands justice,” she wrote on Instagram, sparking nationwide outrage.
The tragic incident has amplified concerns over corporate responsibility, driver licensing, and regulatory lapses in Nigeria’s trucking industry.
Trucking Safety Crisis in Focus
Ruth’s death underscores the wider crisis on Nigeria’s roads where heavy-duty trucks are linked to thousands of preventable accidents annually. Key risk factors include:
- Poor driver licensing and training.
- Ageing, poorly maintained vehicles.
- Weak fleet management and monitoring.
- Corruption among enforcement officers.
Transport analysts estimate that 30–40% of truck-related fatalities could be avoided with stricter compliance and enforcement.
The Accountability Imperative
Three accountability fronts stand out:
- Corporate Duty – As Africa’s largest industrial group, Dangote must not only pay compensation but also set the gold standard for driver certification, fleet safety, and transparency.
- Government Oversight – Regulators and law enforcement must prioritise safety over levy collection and ensure that violations attract swift consequences.
- Judicial Action – Families of victims deserve timely justice, not prolonged or compromised trials. Swift legal processes are essential to deter negligence.
BRANDECONOMY Takeaway
Dangote’s public expression of sadness is important, but condolences alone will not prevent the next tragedy. Ruth’s death must become a catalyst for sweeping reforms in trucking safety, enforcement, and corporate accountability.
Every life lost on Nigeria’s roads is not just a personal tragedy but a national indictment. For Ruth Otabor, justice must mean systemic change—not just sympathy.
