OAU staff honour colleague killed by lion

Staff members of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, under the National Association of Academic Technologists , have honoured the late Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who was killed by a lion in the university zoo.

Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, while attempting to rescue a junior colleague who was attacked by the lion during feeding.

To mark the first anniversary of his tragic death, NAAT organised a one-day workshop titled “Workplace Safety Awareness” at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts.

Speaking at the event, NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who died saving another life.

 Represented by the immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged the university management to rename the zoo in Olawuyi’s honour.

“I want to commend the OAU NAAT executives for organizing this workshop. I also advocate that the zoo should be named after the late Mr. Olawuyi. He was a man of virtue and our martyr,” Nwokoma said.

He further emphasised the need for safety consciousness, stating that Nigerians are an endangered species in the workplace due to poor safety policies.

In his remarks, OAU NAAT Chairman, Matthew Oluwaniyi, expressed disappointment that the official investigation report into Olawuyi’s death had not been released, a year after the incident.

“One year ago, we lost a dedicated professional, a colleague, and a comrade whose courage and sense of duty went beyond mere responsibility. Comrade Olawuyi gave his life to save another.

“Regrettably, despite marking the first anniversary of his passing, we are yet to receive the official report on the circumstances surrounding his death,” Oluwaniyi stated.

He described the workshop as a call to action, urging the university management to implement better safety policies and protective measures for workers.

“This workshop is more than just an event. It is a reminder that safety is not just a conversation but a responsibility. We must ensure that the lessons from Comrade Olawuyi’s sacrifice lead to improved policies, better protective measures, and a workplace where no staff member feels unsafe in the line of duty,” he added.