The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has pledged to honour the memory of Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist who lost his life while saving a colleague from a lion attack in the university zoo.
The institution’s registrar, Adetunji Bakare, made this known on Wednesday at a one-day workshop marking the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death. The event on “Workplace Safety Awareness,” was held at Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, and organised by the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.
Bakare described the late technologist as a hero, not a victim, emphasising that the university was committed to preserving his legacy. He assured that measures had been put in place to enhance workplace safety and provide a secure environment for staff.
NAAT National President, Ibeji Nwokoma, represented by the association’s immediate past national treasurer, Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, called for the university zoo to be renamed in Olawuyi’s honour. He described the deceased as a martyr who made the ultimate sacrifice to save another life.
Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited, WEDEL, stressed the urgent need for stronger workplace safety measures. Represented by Harry Ipalibo, WEDEL’s Health Safety Security and Environment Manager, he identified poor safety culture, lack of awareness, and non-compliance with regulations as key challenges.
Temerigha recommended comprehensive training, strict enforcement of safety policies, regular audits, and improved employee well-being programmes to prevent similar incidents.
NAAT-OAU Chairman, Matthew Oluwaniyi, reiterated that Olawuyi’s bravery should not be forgotten, urging the university to immortalise him by renaming the OAU Zoological Garden in his honour.
NAN
