Damilola Balogun, a 400-level UNILAG student, has died after being swept away by strong ocean currents at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki.
The student leader’s death has renewed calls for better safety measures at Nigerian beaches.
Damilola Balogun, a 400-level student of the University of Lagos, has tragically died after being swept away by ocean currents at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. Contrary to online speculation, Balogun was not attempting a backflip but was caught off guard by the strong tide.
The Department of Education student, who was scheduled to begin his teaching practice on Monday, September 22, was also the president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUNESA), UNILAG chapter. According to reports, he had gone to the Idado community beach for a handover get-together with outgoing executive members.
Witnesses said Balogun ignored warnings about the rising current while taking photos near the shoreline. Locals raised the alarm when they saw him waving for help, but attempts by divers to rescue him failed. His body was recovered on Saturday, September 20, at the Museyo community and buried later that evening.
The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students described Balogun as a beacon of hope and a steadfast advocate for student welfare, mourning his loss as a devastating blow to the student community.
