Dangote Group Commiserates with BBNaija Winner Phyna Over Sister’s Death

The Dangote Group has officially offered its condolences to the family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, widely known as Phyna, following the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor. In a statement released on Sunday, the company confirmed that Ruth passed away from injuries she sustained in a tragic road incident involving one of its trucks on Wednesday, August 13, in Auchi, Edo State.

The statement, shared on the company’s official X account, read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State. On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.”

The corporate condolence follows a period of public appeals and anguish from Phyna, who had used her social media platform to call on the Dangote Group to take responsibility and ensure her sister received the best medical care. In its statement, the company revealed that since the accident, its officials and insurance partners had been providing full financial and medical support to the family.

The company further disclosed that it had made arrangements to fly Ruth to India for advanced medical treatment, a request Phyna had publicly made, but sadly, she passed away before the necessary medical clearance for travel could be secured. “Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,” the statement concluded.

The death of Ruth Otabor has been a source of national conversation, drawing condolences and expressions of sympathy from celebrities and the public alike. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers on Nigerian roads and has renewed calls for greater accountability from corporate entities. While the family has requested privacy to mourn, funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.