A 400-level student from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Damilola Balogun, has tragically d!ed after being swept away by strong ocean currents at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. The incident occurred on Thursday, contrary to initial online rumors that he had drowned while attempting a backflip.
Balogun, who was the president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), UNILAG chapter, was at the Idado community beach for a get-together with outgoing and incoming executive members. A source close to the deceased, who witnessed the event, stated that Balogun had been warned about the rising currents but insisted on staying near the shoreline to take pictures and videos.
The witness, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that after a game of football, Balogun went to the shoreline and asked the General Secretary to take photos. “The General Secretary warned him that the ocean current was too strong, but Balogun insisted he wanted to ‘enjoy the village life’ a little longer,” the source said. The General Secretary eventually left him, only to notice later that locals were shouting for help, seeing Balogun waving from inside the water.
Local divers’ attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful as the strong currents pulled him under. His body was eventually found two days later at the Museyo community, directly opposite the spot where he had drowned. The Baale (traditional ruler) of the community was the one who alerted them to the discovery of the body.
The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has released a joint statement mourning the loss of Balogun, whom they described as “a beacon of hope, an embodiment of courage, and a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of students.” In a statement signed by its chairman, Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, and spokesperson, Ridwan Ajayi, the association praised Balogun as a “brave, strong, and dogged comrade” and “a happy soul, a star with dreams as bright as dawn, and a leader committed to advancing the welfare and aspirations of Nigerian students.”
Source: The Punch
