The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has pledged to immortalize Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who lost his life in a lion attack at the university zoo.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the university’s registrar, Mr. Adetunji Bakare, made this announcement on Wednesday during a one-day workshop marking the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s passing.
OAU Zookeeper
The event, themed “Workplace Safety Awareness,” was organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and held at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, while attempting to rescue a junior colleague who was attacked by a lion during feeding. Bakare emphasized that the gathering was not to mourn Olawuyi’s death but to honor his heroism. He assured that the university would take steps to preserve his legacy while reinforcing workplace safety measures to protect staff.
Speaking at the event, NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who sacrificed his life to save another. Represented by the immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged the university to rename the zoo in Olawuyi’s honor.
Similarly, Mr. Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), stressed the need for organizations to provide a safe working environment. Represented by Mr. Harry Ipalibo, WEDEL’s Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, Temerigha highlighted workplace hazards as a persistent challenge. He emphasized that Olawuyi’s bravery underscores the risks faced by workers daily and called for stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Temerigha outlined key workplace safety challenges, including lack of awareness and training, non-compliance with safety regulations, hazardous work environments, fatigue, and human error.
He recommended solutions such as comprehensive training programs, strict enforcement of safety protocols, regular safety audits, and employee well-being initiatives.
NAAT-OAU Chairman, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, stated that the workshop aimed to honor Olawuyi’s legacy, which serves as a reminder of the dangers many workers encounter. He called on the university to immortalize Olawuyi by naming the OAU Zoological Garden after him.
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