The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has pledged to honor the memory of Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who tragically lost his life in the university zoo after being attacked by a lion.
The Registrar of the University, Adetunji Bakare, made this statement on Wednesday during a one-day workshop marking the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death, held at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU.
The workshop, titled “Workplace Safety Awareness,” was organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). Olawuyi passed away on February 19, 2024, while attempting to rescue a junior colleague who was attacked by a lion during feeding.
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Bakare clarified that the gathering was not to mourn Olawuyi’s death but to celebrate his heroism.
The Registrar assured that the university would take steps to immortalize Olawuyi’s legacy.
He praised Olawuyi’s courage for risking his life to save another and emphasized that the university had implemented measures to prioritize workplace safety and create a safer environment for staff.
NAAT’s National President, Ibeji Nwokoma, who was represented by the past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, described Olawuyi as a martyr who died while saving another life. Nwokoma urged the university to rename the zoo in Olawuyi’s honor.
Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), emphasized the need for every organization to provide a safe and healthy environment for their workers.
Represented by Harry Ipalibo, WEDEL’s Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, Temerigha highlighted the risks that workers face daily and called for improved safety measures to prevent such incidents.
He pointed out that workplace safety challenges, such as lack of awareness, non-compliance with safety regulations, hazardous work environments, fatigue, and poor safety culture, need to be addressed.
He proposed solutions like comprehensive training programs, strict enforcement of safety technology, a culture of safety, and regular safety audits to safeguard workers.
Matthew Oluwaniyi, Chairman of NAAT-OAU, stated that the event was organized to honor Olawuyi’s memory, underscoring the daily risks faced by workers.
He called for Olawuyi’s immortalization by renaming the OAU Zoological Garden in his honor, emphasizing that his legacy should inspire action, not just remembrance.
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