The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has pledged to immortalize Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who lost his life while attempting to rescue a colleague from a lion attack at the university’s zoological garden.
This announcement was made by the university’s registrar, Mr. Adetunji Bakare, on Wednesday during a one-day workshop organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to mark the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death. The workshop, themed “Workplace Safety Awareness,” was held at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU.
Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, in a heroic attempt to save a junior colleague from an attacking lion during feeding. Speaking at the event, Bakare emphasized that the gathering was not to mourn Olawuyi’s passing but to honor his bravery and selflessness.
“The university will ensure that Olawuyi’s legacy is immortalized,” Bakare assured, adding that measures have been put in place to enhance workplace safety and create a secure environment for staff.
NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, represented by the immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, described Olawuyi as a martyr and urged the university to rename the zoological garden in his honor.
Similarly, Mr. Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), called for improved workplace safety measures, emphasizing that injuries and hazards remain a major concern in many organizations. Represented by Mr. Harry Ipalibo, WEDEL’s Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, Temerigha highlighted the need for enhanced training, strict safety regulations, and a proactive safety culture to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Chairman of NAAT-OAU, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, stressed that Olawuyi’s sacrifice should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize workplace safety. He reiterated calls for OAU to officially rename the zoological garden in honor of the fallen technologist, ensuring that his courage and sacrifice are forever remembered.
