Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) pledges to immortalise Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist killed by a lion while saving a colleague

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced plans to immortalise Mr Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who tragically lost his life in the university zoo while attempting to rescue a colleague from a lion attack.

The university’s registrar, Mr Adetunji Bakare, made this announcement on Wednesday during a one-day workshop titled **”Workplace Safety Awareness”**, held at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU.

The event, organised by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), marked the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death.

Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, after bravely intervening to save a junior colleague who was attacked while feeding the lion. According to Bakare, the gathering was not to mourn his passing but to honour his heroism.

“Olawuyi’s bravery must not be forgotten. The university is committed to immortalising his name and ensuring that his sacrifice is remembered,” Bakare stated.

During the workshop, NAAT National President, Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who gave his life to protect another.

Represented by former National Treasurer, Dr Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged the university to rename the OAU Zoological Garden in Olawuyi’s honour as a lasting tribute to his courage.

Similarly, Mr Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), highlighted the importance of workplace safety.

Represented by Mr Harry Ipalibo, the Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment at WEDEL, Temerigha emphasised that workplace hazards remain a serious concern and must be addressed with urgency.

Temerigha noted that workplace accidents often stem from lack of awareness, inadequate training, non-compliance with safety regulations, and poor safety culture. He recommended:

– **Comprehensive safety training** for employees
– **Strict enforcement of safety protocols**
– **Regular safety audits and risk assessments**
– **Implementation of employee well-being programmes**

Chairman of NAAT-OAU, Mr Matthew Oluwaniyi, echoed these concerns, stating that Olawuyi’s death was a stark reminder of the risks workers face daily.

He stressed that the fallen technologist left a legacy that demands action, not just remembrance.

The push to immortalise Olawuyi aligns with the university’s commitment to improving workplace safety and preventing similar tragedies.

As stakeholders continue to advocate for renaming the OAU Zoological Garden in his honour, the university is expected to announce concrete steps in the coming months.