Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, has refuted allegations of the agency’s involvement in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the deaths of Pelumi David Idowu, a student from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, and a motorcyclist.
News About Nigeria gathered that the tragic incident occurred last week in front of the NYSC Orientation Camp on the Sagamu-Ikenne road.
The fleeing driver allegedly struck the motorcyclist and his passenger, Idowu, from behind, killing both instantly.
Following the incident, students under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) accused the NYSC of shielding the culprit, whom they identified as an NYSC official named Ojo Aina.
Protesting students took their grievances to the Ogun State police command, claiming that Aina, after causing the accident, sought refuge within the orientation camp.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Nasamu categorically dismissed the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and the student community, stating that she wants justice and transparency as both a mother and the head of a federal agency dedicated to youth welfare.
Nasamu stated that investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police had exonerated the NYSC of any wrongdoing.
She added that officials from Gateway Polytechnic, including the Rector and the Students Union President, had visited her office to apologise for the false accusations.
“The management of Gateway Polytechnic has distanced itself from the group responsible for the protest and has issued a statement to that effect,” Nasamu said.
She clarified that Ojo Aina, the NYSC staff member in question, was wrongly accused.
Aina had arrived at the scene after the accident to assist, not as the driver responsible for the fatalities.
Nasamu expressed her deepest sympathies, “On behalf of the NYSC and myself, I offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Gateway Polytechnic community. We hope they find strength during this difficult time.”
She reiterated that thorough investigations by the DSS and the police confirmed the NYSC’s non-involvement in the tragic event.
Furthermore, the Polytechnic’s student leadership has pledged to issue a public correction to address the misinformation spread by the initial reports.
In conclusion, Nasamu presented official reports from the DSS and a press release from the Student Union President as evidence of the NYSC’s innocence in this matter.
