Professor (Dr.) Olanrewaju Smith

Professor (Dr.) Olanrewaju Smith (Ola) served as a Trustee on the board of the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) from 2013 through 2019, of which the last 2 years as co-chair. At the same time Ola and I joined the board, became co-chairs and said farewell.
Ola was very openminded, a gentle man and a true gentleman. It was easy to establish a nice and warm relationship with him. Even easier after running side by side very early in the morning, just the two of us, on the treadmill in the gym of the venue of a meeting. Over time we appreciated each other more and more. Ola was a sharp and intelligent observer, who was able to look at issues in a philosophical way and from different angles. Ola shared his passion for agricultural development and, more specifically animal health, with all his colleagues.
During the time we worked together as co-chairs we grew very close to each other. Driving change in a multi-cultural environment is a complicated and sensitive undertaking. With a twinkle in his eyes and a great sense of humour Ola kept everybody on board. A simple smile from Ola was sometimes enough to realise that it might be better to reconsider the issue in a meeting. Ola helped in finding the right balance between striving for results and finding a sustainable solution.
I consider it a privilege to have worked with Ola and am very grateful for what he did. I will cherish the memories of all the nice moments we had together, talking about life in general, the love for our families and children and the prospect of becoming grandparents.
I wish Ola’s children and their families and all who are close to Ola the strength to cope with the loss of such a lovely person.

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.

A magnificent man, benefactor, father and friend, whose smile was contagious and whose presence, a blessing to all he came across.

Deepest condolences to you and your families, Nki and Seyi

Olanrewaju Babatunde Smith (KCOB, 1959-1965)
I first came across this perfect gentleman when I entered King’s College, Lagos in 1964 as a Form 1 boy. ‘Egbon’ as everybody called him was in the Lower Sixth Form. Egbon was a sportsman – shot put, field hockey and cricket were the sports I remember him excelling in. He was probably as good in other sports but I was not and did not keep up with the records. Egbon left KC in 1965 when I was in Form 2. He was a Prefect in the Upper Sixth Form when students were appointed prefects.
The next time I would meet Egbon was while I was on a probationary study leave for my PhD at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. His devoted wife, Franca, was just completing her PhD as I arrived in 1977 Summer. I was looking for an apartment and was told that a Nigerian lady was ready to vacate her apartment. When I met her, she told me her name was Franca Smith but I did not connect her with Egbon. On the day of the transfer of ownership of the apartment, I was very pleasantly surprised to see Egbon as he had just finished his PhD in University of Guelph in animal nutrition and came to Ithaca to help Franca move her things. I was so happy to see him after 13 years. I reintroduced myself as his ‘fag’ at KC! “Yes, I remember you as a gangling teenager.” Knowing that Egbon’s wife had lived in the apartment made it the more homely and comfortable.
On my return to the University of Ife in 1980, I was so surprised to find both Egbon and Franca on the staff, with Egbon as a member of my department, the Department of Animal Science. It was here that I came to really know and love this man, Olanrewaju B Smith. As a newly arrived trainee, I needed the guidance of senior colleagues and Egbon, who was by then a Senior Lecturer, fitted the bill perfectly. On many occasions, I went to his office fuming about one thing or the other and with just a few words, Egbon would calm me down and make me see a more reasonable line of action. We worked together in the department for nine years before the IDRC whisked him away, first to their Dakar, Senegal office and later to Ottawa, Canada. Egbon has maintained contact with me ever since. When he worked in Rome, as the Executive Secretary of GFAR, I visited their home when I was in Rome. Even after the demise of Franca, we were in more frequent touch with WhatsApp and email messages. Just this last Easter, I sent him a message on WhatsApp but did not get a reply. Very much unlike Egbon. I tried a WhatsApp call a few times but could not connect with him. Tokunbo’s call this morning, Saturday, April 10, 2021 finally resolved my puzzlement when he informed me that Egbon had been sick for a few weeks and finally departed a few days ago.
Egbon was a role model to me in many ways – socially, academically and most importantly personally. His gentle manners always amazed me. I do not remember ever seeing him angry. When concerned about anything, his voice tended to become even softer! His sense of decorum was unimpeachable. He never made coarse jokes or humiliated anyone. His students loved him for his thoroughness, hard work and patience. His academic colleagues held him in very high esteem as a pains-taking researcher and accommodating colleague. His international agriculture (CGIAR, FAO, IFAD, etc.) colleagues just loved to call out his name ‘Ola!’ with sheer delight. His humility is touching. When I suggested to him to join the Board of GALVmed which I had been on for 5 years, he did not indicate any hesitation and he went on to serve as the distinguished Co-Chair of that organization for 6 years.
Egbon was my senior throughout, but he was also my friend, adviser, mentor, role model. I will miss him. May we meet at the feet of Jesus on that Resurrection Day. Amen.
Emmanuel Babafunso Sonaiya (KCOB 1964-1970)

May your soul RIP.

Prof Lanre Smith taught me Animal Physiology in my undergraduate class. A quiet unassuming lecturer, who is light years ahead of others in his class. He is always smiling, ever ready to help out and a wonderful role model. Even after he left our University, he was still ready to help colleagues. He is a living proof of a practicing Christian. We will surely miss him, and are sure the heavens are rejoicing at the welcome of "a saint of God"!!! May God preserve all left behind in Jesus name ?

Rest In Peace , Prof. As my lecturer in Unife, you were very kind and understanding. You always helped us your students build self confidence. No doubt you grew on to be even better having read the tributes. I have very nice memories of you as my lecturer. I wasn’t close to you but it was enough to have your kindness as my lecturer. Take your deserved rest in the Lord

To Ola's family
Your grief will be intense but so too should be your pride - your father was such a warm personality, gentle, caring and modest. Someone it was a pleasure to know. I knew him best during our shared time on the GALVmed Board where we were fellow animal nutritionists surrounded mostly by vets, and so we shared a bond. I hope that reading the tributes helps you realise how many people's lives he touched, in a good way, and enables you to feel pride in who he was and what he achieved

Pls accept our heart felt condolences on passage of my loving,gentle,humble lecturer/supervisor who made Animal health so simple and practicable for his students. GOD WILL SURELY GIVE US FORTITUDE TO BEAR THIS IRREPARABLE LOSS IJN.THANKS

Prof. Ola Smith, as he used to be affectionately called here in The Gambia, is one of the most gentle persons who I have ever met. Our first encounter in 2011 during my MSc data collection in that country was indeed remarkable! I remembered how the late Prof. Ola Smith was so keen on my research activities with intention to offer guidance... I returned to the Netherlands after the said period but we were always in touch with each other. He eventually facilitated my return to the International Trypanotolerance Centre in 2013 toward transformation of that institution to the West Africa Livestock Innovation Centre. Working directly with him on that 'journey' had been very much worthwhile with lots of highly important professional lessons. I remembered on many occasions that after walking into his office and exchange of greetings, his first question used to be "what's new?". Hearing anything new or surprising, the late Prof. Ola Smith sometimes used to say "O boy!".
Since his departure from The Gambia, the late Prof. Ola Smith would always check on me and asked me to update him about myself and other issues of common interest. Indeed, he was truly a mentor and a life coach to me. I will miss your passionate guidance and times we often spend talking together... We had just lost an icon!
To his family (siblings, daughter, son, and in-laws), friends, and acquaintances, I pray that you are able to bear this loss!