Homes named in honour of Nigerian man who died saving drowning woman in Thames unveiled

The homes named after a young Nigerian man, Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, who died trying to rescue a woman from the Thames have been officially unveiled in London, United Kingdom.

Olubunmi-Adewole, 20, was returning home from work in April 2021 when he sighted a woman fall off London Bridge into the River Thames about midnight.

He dove into the river to save her but never made it back out of the water.

The woman and a second man who had also jumped in to rescue her were saved by the coastguard and marine police.

Olubunmi-Adewole, called Jimi by his family and friends, could not be found and his body was recovered about six hours later.

Over 50 homes named Folajimi Apartments, on Alexis Street in south Bermondsey, South London, was formally unveiled according to a BBC report on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Of the 56 flats, 26 are owned by Southwark Council.

Mr Olubunmi-Adewole’s family and local councillors, including Helen Dennis, attended the official opening last week, with Ms Dennis describing the event as “a great honour”

In a post on X, she added: “Jimi was such a brave young man and we hope these new homes will be a fitting tribute to his heroism life”

At the inquest into Mr Olubunmi-Adewole’s death, the coroner said: “The courage to jump to help a complete stranger in the Thames at night is quite astonishing.

“Many of us would like to think we would do the same in that situation, but few of us would have the courage and determination.”