Professor (Dr.) Olanrewaju Smith

Tribute to Prof Lanre Smith: Our Gentleman Prof
Olanrewaju Babatunde Smith became part of our family when he married our sister. Francisca. Even though he came from a different ethnic group from ours, he promptly endeared himself to all of us and became one of us, the language barrier not withstanding. He was Brother Lanre to all of us until he got his professorship and then he became our ‘Prof’.
Coming into a family with eight siblings with as many in-laws was not overwhelming for him. Instead his quiet strength had a calming effect on not only all our family members but everyone that came in contact with him.
Less than two years ago when we were reeling from the sudden loss of his wife, our sister, Francisca, in his usual calm way, he encouraged all of us to thank God for the gift which Francisca was to us, all and to find solace in cherished memories of her even though he was hurting as well. Now, he’s gone as well.
We give thanks for the gift that he was and continues to be to our family and find solace in our faith which teaches us that Prof & Franca are re-united in heaven. Prof, we believe, will be regaling Franca with stories about their grand children, Benjamin & Maya.
Sleep well Prof and pass on our greetings to Francisca.
Francis Tagbo and Ozzy Arah (née Tagbo) On behalf of the Tagbo Family

Ola Smith - A sage goes home.

It is not often that you find intelligence, maturity of character and humility combined in one person. "Ola", as Prof. Olanrewaju B. Smith was well known, combines these and more in himself. I do not want to speak of him in the past tense as if he ceased to exist upon leaving his earthly gross material cloak. Although, no longer in a material dimension that we on this side can directly relate to, Ola is alive. His spirit lives on. He also lives in the minds of those who knew and interacted with him.

Professor Smith lectured me in my undergraduate years. His classes were not as tense for students as some others. I attribute this to Prof. Smith's special talent as a teacher. He lived what he taught. It was important to him that students understood the principles underlying the subject matter. Our paths crossed again at various times later in life. He remains for me, a great example in simplicity, candour and unwavering dedication to humanity.

Ola is lucid, and blessed with faculties that sees possibilities where others only perceive limitations. I recall one vivid experience. I was a young scientist at the The International Trypanptolerance Centre (ITC), The Gambia, now West African Innovation Centre (WALIC). Prof Smith was then on the ITC board. I was considering higher degrees overseas after defending my Master's dissertation in Animal science. I wanted his views on whether I should consider a PhD program in Agricultural Extension. The question sounded absurd to the other two colleagues at the discussion. One of whom asked me, "Why do you want to abandon Animal Science for Extension?" Without responding to me directly Ola just smiled, in that his charming, amiable, way, and said, "Noo", "He is not abandoning Animal Science, he is only adding another feather to his cap". I felt a great sigh of relieve by his comment. He went on to advice that I weigh my options well and not be discouraged about venturing into agricultural extension. Years later, I saw the wisdom in his views as my work life was predominantly in development work, for which an extension qualification is an asset.

He is an empathic listener and humane person, who would not deliberately do something wrong or stand in the way of another's progress. During his visit to The Gambia, he asked about my career aspirations. I told him that, shortly after my Bachelor's degree at the university of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), over ten years ago then, I had applied for British Council study scholarship and named him as one of my professional referees. Prof Smith stopped me in the middle of the conversation to ask if he had respoded to the request. That question meant a lot and left a deep impressions on me. It showed that, he wanted to reassure himself that he had not inadvertently ignored a simple request that could have been a golden career development opportunity for an aspiring young scientist.

Those two experiences endeared him even more to me. He became my professional mentor and master. I looked up to him and secretly hoped that I will be as successful as he was.

Our paths crossed again when I worked in GALVmed and Prof Smith was on the board. His calm demeanour, wise counsel and repertoire of knowledge loomed large at the board meetings. Often when a program director or presenter appears to be intimidated and floundering, Ola would chip in a word or comment to prompt and encourage the person to relax, recall a missing detail, and regain his/her confidence. He is not one to criticize without offering a better option. He was a delight to watch at the meetings and the social events.

Prof Smith has words of encouragement for everyone. His attitude and philosophical outlook to life takes half the burden away from a difficult situation. When I told him about the changes in the organisation in which I was working and the possibility that the Covid-19 pandemic could affect funding my position. Ola reassured me that all will be well. He capped his response with these golden words on marble platter, which raised my self esteem to the stars, "I have no doubt in your ability to deliver on this project, and if necessary, find another job".

You could say that he is a sage in a world in need of wisdom. He gave of his fountain of knowledge and wisdom to friends, juniors and professional colleagues. The most amazing thing about him is that, he made being good looked so easy. That is a great legacy that he left for the world. Our good wishes shall accompany him on his path.

Adieu Olanrewaju, adieu my mentor and adviser.

REFLECTIONS PROFESSOR (DR.) OLANREWAJU SMITH
“This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24

It is with deep sorrow at his passing and yet with some joy I write today in reflecting on the measure of the man I knew as Ola Smith. I remember vividly I met him as the friend of my girlfriend Francisca Tagbo over fifty years ago when we were all three studying at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. I interacted with him during his courtship of my one and only Nigerian girlfriend, Franca whom she affectionately called Lanre. Eventually she became his bride and I was her one and only bridesmaid. He was a very handsome, distinguished, groom and my friend Franca was radiant on that day in June 1977.

Over the years we kept in contact and never lost touch with each other even though after studies I returned home to Jamaica and they advanced in their careers which took them all over the world until they resettled in Ottawa, Canada. Once they were back in Canada I visited periodically whenever I went to Canada to visit relatives who lived in Toronto. Ola was a good man, a good husband and father. He was the perfect match for Franca. I am not surprised their marriage was a solid one and lasted over 40 years. What did surprise me was that the children for their 40th Anniversary of Marriage sent them to a resort in Jamaica. I will never forget the glorious reunion I had spending a day with them at the resort in June 2017. He was a man of integrity with high standards of excellence and professionalism dedicated to making a difference in his field, in the lives of those he touched.

I am grateful to God for giving me the privilege of having them in my life for a part of this earthly journey and I mourn with Seyi, Nki and their families in their loss.

May his soul rest in peace.

Olanrewaju B. Smith

I came to know and admire this consummate gentleman and encourager when I was an undergraduate student in Animal Science at the University of Ife.

A symbol of humility with warm and calming smile, his drive for excellence endeared me to him. I still remember his soft, deep voice: ‘Layi, come on and do some good useful work for me’.

When I was awarded the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship for Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, he was the reason I chose University of Guelph, to receive the kind of graduate training this wonderful and exemplary human being underwent.

We stayed in touch after he relocated from Ife to the International Development Research Council of Canada (IDRC) office in Dakar, Senegal and I was hired at Purdue University.

During my visits to Nigeria when I stayed at IITA in Ibadan, we saw a few times when he also visited to monitor the IDRC projects he funded.

I saw him at the virtual ZOOM retirement celebration in honor of E.B. Sonaiya in October 2020.

A great teacher and icon is gone.

Rest in eternal grace, Professor Olanrewaju B. Smith.

Layi Adeola, Ph.D.
Professor of Animal Sciences
Purdue University

Prof Lanre Smith, my supervisor, I am so happy that you found me and I found you, just a few weeks before your final departure! We had parted ways from 1989 to 2021. I am also glad that I got to pay you tributes in the few mail exchange we had. I am heart broken though that it was your turn to respond to questions asked in my last mail. To Nki and Seyi, may your hearts be filled with gratitude for the beautiful legacy left by mum and dad.

In memory of Professor Smith: To our dearest childhood friends Nki and Seyi, our deepest condolences on the the loss of your dear father, Profess Smith. We remember so fondly, our stone in Ile-Ife, your visit to Mt.Carmel and ours to Canada. In each memory, your father was a calm and doting constant. The nature of both our mothers close relationship meant we were privy to frequent updates about The Smiths, and came to know of the many accomplishments and the venerable Prof. Lanre Smith. Most importantly, we knew him as a proud father and loving husband who unquestionably, put family first. Our prayers are with you, Nki and Seyi. We hope you continue to count on the Adekunle family for love and support. Dr. Lanre Smith was truly a remarkable man, loving, wise, salt of the earth. Rest well and in perfect peace.

I have just lost a colleague, a friend and confident , Africa one of its fine son and the world an humaniste. Dr Ola Smith Will be missed by many, from family, friends as well as development partners in Africa and beyond. This Soft spoken and fine man has impacted so many lives in Africa that his memory Will last forever.
I first met Dr Ola Smith around 1987 when he came for an interview in Dakar to join the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Among the many candidates for the position, the performance of Dr Smith had no equal. He far outshined the others by his knowledge of the subject matter as well as his demonstrated commitment to helping the small scale farmers of Africa.
His work within IDRC soon inspired grantees, myself and development partners alike in our quest for excellence . Above all, we became good friends. From there on , whenever he referred to me, it will be by the nickname SK.
He joined me later at ICRISAT Niger to contribute to the then Desert Margins Programme (DMP). His contribution to that programme was done with a high sense of commitment, abnegation and sacrifice for the benefits of improving the livelihood of African farmers as his family stayed behind in Canada .
When we both returned to Canada, we visited each other but hardly enough. You Will be missed my friend not only by your lovely kîds, Nki and Seyi and your Grandchildren now and to come but by many of us as well. Who Will now call me SK?
However, rest assured that you will always be alive in our hearts.
Sincere condolences to Nki and Seyi
Au revoir mon cher ami
Saîdou koala

Adieu Prof. Olanrewaju Smith

The news of the demise of Prof. Smith came as a rude shock. It is hard to come to terms with the knowledge that both you and Dr. Franca Smith exited this world rather abruptly just one year after another. Prof. you are gone to be with your soulmate as you have become inseparable in the physical and now abiding in the everlasting bosom of your maker.
We have been family friends with the Smiths over two decades. It is hard to adjust to the fact that we reference you in the past. Prof. Smith will always be remembered by his humility, quiet disposition, always wearing a smile that lights up his eyes and an eagerness to keep tab on his friends wellbeing through phone calls and visitations. He once said he takes delight to go through his address book to make phone calls to ensure he does not loose track of his friends.
We have good memories sharing visitations as some of the pictures indicate.
Farewell Prof. Olanrewaju Smith. May your kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Revelation 14:13 NIV “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Thank God for a remarkable life well spent. Our sincere condolences to Nki, Seyi, in- laws and grandchildren. We pray that the Lord will give you all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Fondly remembered by: Apostle Cornelius and Pastor Mrs. Ansa Babalola

I first met Prof. Ola Smith when he joined the GALVmed Board of Trustees and became the Chair of the Policy and External Affairs Committee. He was supportive of our policy work, always engaged in providing advice and working with the policy team on how we could have more impact and do things better. He went over and beyond the call of duty supporting the policy team in meetings with external partners including travelling from his base in Ottawa to help facilitate conferences and meetings in Africa. He was passionate about and understood the role of policy in creating an enabling environment for the delivery of veterinary services in LMICs. He was a good listener and respectful of the team’s opinion including that of junior colleagues. He truly embraced the view that every voice counts and should be heard. When the Committee was disbanded, Prof remained close and took the time to find out how the team was doing and how he could be of service.

A truly humble and kind professional who will be dearly missed.

Lois Muraguri, GALVmed

Goodbye old friend, thank you for all these years of true comradship. It hss been honour to share with you all these discussions and travels as well as our true commitment to development. Thanks for your good heart, your generosity and friendship