We’re on the same page with students_ ODSG
Following the fatal accident that claimed scores of lives at the gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, the leaderships of students associations under the aegis of NANS, NAOSS and the SUG of the institution have recommended measures expected of the government and other concerned stakeholders to as a matter of urgency curb the reoccurrence of the incident.
The students bodies made this known in a jointly signed Press Release by Chairman of the NANS Ondo State, Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, AAUA SUG President, Comr. Obamuwagun Oluwasegun Daniel and Comr. Kowe Odunayo made available to newsmen in Ikare Akoko.
The students bodies among other things, said several measures has been considered in order to put in place, a lasting solution to curb the reoccurring incident, parts of which was their stands against heavy duty trucks either Dangotes’ or that of other institution trailing the campus community till further notice saying they won’t condole casualties anymore.
They said in effect to the stoppage of heavy duty vehicles from plying the roads, the body have met with all necessary stakeholders before a barricade was erected to put a total stop to heavy duty trucks plying the road.
Other demands of the students bodies as associations to the government includes, dualization of the road, prosecution of the truck’s driver, payments of hospitals bills of the injured persons and compensating the deceased parents saying it’s to ensure their great icons do not just pass away without ensuring lasting solution to the reoccurrence of such incidents within the student community.
However, in order to prevent a further disorder, the students leaders preached the cessation of the students from the ongoing peaceful protest as some unidentified hoodlums have almost hijacked the agitations, enjoining all students to await proper and further directives.
According to the students Leaders, “It’s strongly advisable that students leave the Streets so as to victoriously achieve our aims. The proper forces have been mobilized to seriously curb anyone caught in the act of violence in the name of agitations.”
While commending the closure of the campus main gate by the school authority, they said the gesture must be ensured to last till the road is expanded and dualized, that the state government must also order and enforce a re-routing for heavy-duty vehicles. Saying the Ipele route, instead of the University route should serve long vehicles till the expansions and dualization of the roads are achieved.
The students leaders who commiserated with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, family of the deceased especially the family of AAUA students commended the state government who has promised to foot the bills of the admitted students at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo. However, “we will like to encourage the Government to follow through this order”, they added.
Responding to the recommendations, the Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu led administration has said several efforts have been ongoing by the state government and institution management to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident.
This efforts according to the Press Release signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths & Students’ Affairs, Muyiwa Ogunyemi (Eyiyato) who said the government is on the same page with the students associations includes:
Relocation of the Akungba market to a more secured and suitable environmen; closure of the university’s main gate while opening alternative routes; establishment of Mammy Market on the campus to take care of students’ needs and erection of permanent and solid barriers/ bumps along the 2 sides of the road.
The press release reads in part;
PRESS RELEASE
Following the tragic and sad event of 23rd January 2021 leading to an unimaginable loss of lives of some students of Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba Akoko (AAUA) , several efforts have been going on by the state government and school management to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident.This includes:
1. Relocation of the market to a more secured and suitable environment.
2. Closure of the university’s main gate while opening alternative routes.
3. Planned establishment of Mammy Market on the campus to take care of students’ needs.
4. Government’s plans to erect permanent and solid barriers/ bumps along the 2 sides of the road.
While our hearts go out to all families affected by this sad event which is a huge loss to the State, we pray for strength at this trying time.
Please be assured that the state government is taking a holistic approach to ensure all it takes to avoid a reoccurrence and is currently in the process of reaching out to the families of the deceased.
Muyiwa Ogunyemi( Eyiyato)
SSA Youths & Students’ Affairs.
25/1/2021.
