OAU to Immortalise Veterinary Technologist Killed by Lion
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has pledged to immortalise Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who lost his life while rescuing a colleague from a lion attack at the university zoo.
The university’s registrar, Mr. Adetunji Bakare, made this announcement on Wednesday during a one-day workshop held to commemorate the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death. The event, themed “Workplace Safety Awareness,” took place at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU, and was organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, while attempting to save a junior colleague who was attacked by a lion during feeding. Bakare described Olawuyi as a hero, emphasizing that the gathering was not to mourn his death but to celebrate his bravery. He assured attendees that the university would take steps to honour Olawuyi’s memory.
The registrar also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to improving workplace safety and creating a safer environment for staff.
Speaking at the event, NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, represented by the association’s immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun called on the university to rename the zoological garden after Olawuyi as a tribute to his sacrifice.
Similarly, Mr. Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), urged organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers. Represented by Mr. Harry Ipalibo, Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment at WEDEL, Temerigha highlighted workplace hazards as a major concern and called for robust safety policies to prevent future tragedies.
He identified key challenges to workplace safety, including lack of training, non-compliance with safety regulations, and poor safety culture. He recommended solutions such as comprehensive safety training, stricter enforcement of safety measures, regular risk assessments, and employee well-being programs.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NAAT-OAU, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, stressed that the event was not only to honour Olawuyi’s bravery but also to highlight the dangers many workers face daily. He echoed calls for the university to immortalise Olawuyi by naming the OAU Zoological Garden in his honour, stating that his legacy should inspire action to enhance workplace safety.
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