OAU Unions Demand Improved Safety Measures After Tragic Lion Attack

Engr. Reuben Temerigha, the Managing Director, Western Diamond Energy Limited(WEDEL), has said that every organisation regardless of industry has a duty to provide a safe and healthy environment for their staff.

Temerigha gave the charge during the First Anniversary of the passing of Late Olabode Olawuyi by National Association of Academic Technologists, (NAAT -OAU), on Wednesday, at Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU, Ile-Ife.

The theme of the workshop for a true hero who courageously shielded his subordinate from the jaws of a lion at OAU Zoo was”Workplace Safety Awareness Workshop”.

The MD, who was represented by Mr Harry Ipalibo, the Manager, Health Safety Security and Environment (WEDEL) maintained that workplace injuries and hazard remain a pressing challenge.

He added that deceased bravery and selflessness served as a stark reminder of the risks many workers face on a daily basis, called for prioritising safety and implement measures that prevent such incidents in the future.

Temerigha cited building collapse in Lagos in 2024, factory fire in Ogun State recently and in health sector, the rise of workplace violence against medical staff.

He explained that lack of awareness and training, non-compliance with safety regulations, hazardous work environments, fatigue and human error and poor safety culture among others are challenges to workplace safety.

The Managing Director suggested that comprehensive training programmes, strict enforcement of safety technology, encouraging a culture of safety, regular safety audits and risk assessments, employee well-being programme are the way out to safeguard the workers.

The Chairman, NAAT-OAU, Mr Matthew Oluwaniyi, said that the programme was to honour the legacy of the deceased whose demise serves as a solemn reminder of the risks many workers face daily.

Oluwaniyi emphasised that Late Zoologist left a legacy that demands actions, not just remembrance, called for immortalisation of Comrade Olawuyi’s heroism by naming the OAU Zoological Garden after him.

The President, NAAT National Headquarters, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, appreciated the organisers, while commiserate with the NAAT -OAU and the immediate family.

Nwokoma, who was represented by Dr Olajokun Hassan, the Immediate Past National Treasurer, asked the union to work together as a team to fight against challenges facing and should back their request with proposal.

Prof. Simeon Bamire, the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), said that all measure have been put in place to prioritise workplace safety for the staff.

Baamire, who was represented by Deputy VC(Adm), Prof. Yomi Daramola, assured that the management will create conducive environment and security to prevent evil occurrences.

In the same vein, the Registrar of the University, Mr Adetunji Bakare, stated that people are not gathering to celebrates late Olawuyi’s death, but his heroism.

Bakare saluted his courage for standing in gap of death of other, confirmed the adage “Be ashamed to die until you are given the best to humanity”.

He assured that administration is trying all in his capacity to immortalise the memory of late Olawuyi.

Also, the Zonal Coordinator, NAAT Southwest, Comrade Adebiyi Augustine, thanked the President, invited guest,sister unions that graced the occasion, saying that the deceased has served the institution and humanity in his own capacity.

Augustine stated that he sacrificed his life for safety of other colleague like Jesus Christ, assured that he’ll be rejoicing at the bosom of God, charged others to discharged their duty effectively well.

According to him, everyone has a responsibility to discharged to staff working with them, though may not be at the zoological garden, it may be in different laboratories.

He urged them to always make their request known to the management so as to challenge the authority whenever there’s evil occurrence.

The Zonal Coordinator encouraged civil servants to play a pivotal role to all humanity, for people to feel their impact after departure.

Our correspondent reports that all OAU unions like: ASSU, CONUA, NANTS, NASU and SSANU representatives undergone “panel safety discussion” and charged university to profound solution.