Our paths crossed when I got admited to Virology Dept UCH in 1989 to pursue the MSc degree program. I was there during the process of Prof OD Olaleye’s rapid upward movement in academics to eventually become the HOD when I obtained my phD in 1996. He stood his grounds and ensured that Prof Mohammed Ada and myself succesully defended our theses against all odds. Over the past tweny five years he continued to give necessary support and encouragement when ever his help was sought. He lived his exemplary and highly decorated life to the full based on his convictions and always stood for the ideal in all situations. 

Our last close encounter was during the AFriHeath conference he successfully hosted in Lagos in August 2019 with participants drawn from many institutions in Nigeria, African and the USA. At that conference Prof OD Olaleye’s comitment to mentorship, academic execelence and research was well establised. Prof also threw his full weight and financial resources to the process of bringing together Virologists in Nigeria and i hope the association will eventual take off and imortalize him through continious promotion of many of the good works he commited his life to doing. My dear Prof, You came, you fought and you conquered on many fronts and we pray for the repose of your soul and eternal rest in the bosom of the lord. Good night sir.

Dr Ali Johnson Onoja, CEO. African Health Project, Abuja.