Professor (Dr.) Olanrewaju Smith

It is with much shock, disbelief and sadness I leant of the passing of Ola. He was a close close friend and professional soulmate for many, many years. Ola's contributions to Africa and the developing world, through his work in agriculture development, has been substantial as a teacher, workings as a donor and in development organizations and on boards. He will be missed, not only for what he did but how he did it. He was a man who always showed respect for others, commitment to what he was doing, and was a caring, friendly and unassuming person. The development community has lost a stalwart and I have lost a friend with who I was looking forward to spending more time when I return to Ottawa in the near future.

He was know to us as Ola and he and his family came into our lives in 2007 as neighbours and within months became friends. We bonded over shared experiences living in Europe and Africa and finally making Canada our home to raise our families. In the first years Ola was still busy with development work in Africa and his visits home were short but as time went on we saw more and more of him. We were privileged to share the excitement and celebrations of each of our family's events. Ola was a gentle soul, highly intelligent who moved through this world with dignity and kindness. He was happy to give an opinion or advice if asked then just left you with it to do what you wished. We shared a deep faith in God and a belief that he has plans for us all. He was proud of his children and had a complete confidence that they would make the right decisions in their lives. He saw this world through the lens of a smile and we will always remember the love and laughter on our last afternoon tea together in August 2019. We had no idea we would be parted so soon on that sunny afternoon. He will be sadly missed.

We were deeply saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Ola Smith passed away. We were very closely associated with Ola and Francisca during our 4 years in Senegal. At the time I was the Regional Director for the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and he was a Senior Program Officer. Ola was named Regional Director upon my departure in 1996. He will be deeply missed by his IDRC family.

So sad to hear of Ola’s passing. He always held such a dear place in my heart. One of my earliest mentors in my career. Reading his obituary I resonated so much with the description of him as kind, funny and wise. His love for his family; pride in his children was always present. Wishing all of you my sincerest condolences.

Hi Nki, I’m sorry for your loss. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family and may his soul Rest In Peace.

I am still in shock Nki and Seyi hearing of the death of your dad. He was a great husband to his deceased wife and his precious whom he adopted. As a great Agricultural Scientist he never refused a challenging job that would include traveling or being away from his family for months. The summer vacations that he and his family spent with me when the children were young was time he spent relaxing but would also include shopping. He was always protective of his family. A great Scientist/with humility/who never got stressed or show excessive anger when things were not right. NKI and Seyi you have lost your beloved dad, but his memory lives forever.

A Gem is lost but its value and lustre will never be forgotten.

My condolences to family and friends of professor Olanrewa. I met the professor in connectinon with my work at the International Foundation for ScInce, IFS, based in Stockholm. IFS is providing schlarships for young career researchers from developing countries, the majority from Africa. Over nearly 60 years IFS has contribute more than 6000 scholarships that have helped develop the research and capacity of young researchers. Professor Olanrewa was an important contributor to IFS in several ways and the organisation is extremely grateful for his generosity and support over a long time period. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely
Kjell Havnevik
Professor emeritus
Current trustee of IFS

Farewell colleague, mentor and faithful friend. I will miss you very much and as a dear friend you will live further in my heart. I am beyond grateful for all the support you have shown me throughout my work at IFS. Your support has made my work far more fulfilling than if I was trying to cope on my own. There were days when I felt a bit stuck, without the ability to move forward. It was at those times you seemed to always be there, ready to encourage me. You have made a world of difference to me and I am deeply indebted to you for walking this road with me. I would like also to thank you on behalf of the early-career researchers who got support from IFS, for all the immense work you have done for them by being an example yourself, indicating that they will make it, that together we can change what needs to be changed, and that we will make the world a better place to live for all.

With great sadness the GALVmed community received the news that Professor Olanrewaju Smith passed away on April 8, 2021. Professor Olanrewaju “Ola” Smith joined the Board of GALVmed in 2013 and was a Trustee through to September 2019 upon reaching the maximum statutory period of 2 terms of 3 years.
From 2017 to 2019 Ola was a Co-Chair of the Board, a period of significant change for GALVmed.
On the Board Ola contributed significantly to GALVmed’s achievements over the years, influencing how GALVmed is today. As a trained veterinarian with postgraduate qualifications in Animal and Poultry Nutrition and many research publications in that field, Ola brought important expertise to the Board’s discussions. Even more important was his personal approach which was instrumental in bringing colleagues together as an effective team. Ola was a true gentleman and an excellent listener and observer. With his gentle approach he put his colleagues on the Board, and the organisation, at ease which encouraged everyone to excel. The GALVmed community is very diverse in gender, ethnicity and professional background. Leading people of completely different backgrounds through a process of change is a challenge in itself. With his excellent interpersonal capabilities Ola was the right person in the right place and at the right moment. He contributed greatly to building the foundations of the renewed vision of GALVmed focusing on the future of small-scale livestock producers.
Ola served as the Chair of the Policy & External Affairs Committee and was a member of the Technical Scientific and Finance and Risk committees. He contributed significantly to prioritisation, which resulted in GALVmed’s successes in regulatory harmonization in Africa and policy areas, including veterinary paraprofessionals, essential for bringing animal health solutions for rural farmers and small-scale livestock producers.
Over the years Ola became a true friend to all of us and we will miss him dearly. We will cherish the memories of all the enjoyable moments we had together. We are deeply grateful for all that Ola did for GALVmed as an institution, and for us as individuals. May he rest in peace.
We wish Ola’s children, family and friends the strength to cope with the loss of their loved one.

The GALVmed community