November 25, 2023
November 25, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven dear Uncle, we continue to celebrate you.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Adetokunbo Lucas, 89 years old, born on November 25, 1931, and passed away on December 25, 2020. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023
What a generous and amiable person you were. I will always cherish the love you showed me when you were alive. The MRCP Paediatrics textbook you got me is still there. You were personally at my wedding ceremony. I am truly lost for words. May your gentle and graceful soul continue to rest in peace Prof Lucas.
It was a great privilege to have had personal encounters with you. I will always live to remember you.
It was a great privilege to have had personal encounters with you. I will always live to remember you.
January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
The last time I communicated with you was when we lost our mom Eunice Obi in 2009. I have been asking by brother if he had your contact. Little did I know you already left this world. You were a very great friend of our family. In 1986, my wife (Ugboaku)and I (Uzo)scheduled our wedding on a date that fit your schedule and you made it all the way from Switzerland to Enugu.
May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Uzo and Ugboaku Obi
Chijioke Obi and Ada Mojekeh ( née Obi)
On Behalf of the family of Late Nath and Eunice Obi
May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Uzo and Ugboaku Obi
Chijioke Obi and Ada Mojekeh ( née Obi)
On Behalf of the family of Late Nath and Eunice Obi
November 25, 2022
November 25, 2022
Thinking of you today dear Tokunbo when you would have been 91 years old - we all miss you - your special presence, your caring, your giggles and your jokes - hopefully you have folks laughing in heaven. Rest in peace.
November 25, 2022
November 25, 2022
Happy birthday in Heaven dear Uncle. Continue to rest in peace. Fond memories of you live on in our hearts. You are sorely missed
December 28, 2021
December 28, 2021
One year already - we miss you dear Tokunbo but you live on in our hearts. Rest in peace.
Sue, Mark and Carina
Sue, Mark and Carina
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Happy 90th birthday Tokunbo - we miss you very much but you live on in our hearts. Rest in peace.
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Happy birthday in heaven my dear Uncle. Continue to rest in peace. Fond memories of you live on.
June 4, 2021
June 4, 2021
Very early this morning as I woke up, I remembered you and was searching for how to contact you or mummy or your daughter you sent to me in International Livestock Centre for Africa on IITA campus Ibadan then to have the research work for her Masters thesis done. I had longed to meet you personally since then because of my lingering passion for Community Medicine/ Public Health. Your good works keep speaking and I believe you are presently a saint triumphant! My solace is that I shall surely have access to your publications and eventually meet with Mummy in Ibadan as soon as possible! Keep enjoying your peaceful sleep in the bosom of your beloved Saviour JESUS CHRIST! I am Pastor Dr. Stephen Adetokunbo Adeboye OlaOluwa ADEOYE! ( stephen.adeoye54@mail.com/08034648034)
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
Knowing you was a blessing to me and my family, for my dad to work for you was a privilege for us.
The family of EMMANUEL AMAVI will always remember you.
Rest on Grandpa
The family of EMMANUEL AMAVI will always remember you.
Rest on Grandpa
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
My earliest memories of Uncle were that every year from when I was about 4 years old, he would visit and ask me to write my name on a piece of paper.
The following year he would ask me to write it again, to see how my writing had improved, this went on for a number of years.
What amazed me was that he always had the piece of paper with my name on it from previous years.
The most joyous occasion we spent together, was when he was Chairman at my wedding even though he was on a plane to South Africa that evening.
Such a busy man, he always found time for family, for which we are eternally grateful. Rest in peace Uncle, your legacy lives on IJN.
Gbemi Sokoya (Mrs Otitoju’s daughter)
The following year he would ask me to write it again, to see how my writing had improved, this went on for a number of years.
What amazed me was that he always had the piece of paper with my name on it from previous years.
The most joyous occasion we spent together, was when he was Chairman at my wedding even though he was on a plane to South Africa that evening.
Such a busy man, he always found time for family, for which we are eternally grateful. Rest in peace Uncle, your legacy lives on IJN.
Gbemi Sokoya (Mrs Otitoju’s daughter)
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
Celebrating the life of Professor Adetokunbo Lucas (25 Nov 1931 - 25 Dec 2020)
To me, you were
#Uncle
#TheBestUncleEver
#MyGodFather
#Dada
#OloriEbi
#LeaderOfTheLucasClan
#TheProfessor
To society at large, you were
#GlobalHealthExpert
#HavardProfessor
#ACarnegieCorpProgramChair
#aWHOtdrDirector #PrinceMahidolAwardRecipient #FirstClassKnightOfTheOrderOfDirekgunabhorn #OfficerOfTheOrderOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria to mention just a few.
You lived your life on purpose. You made tremendous impact. I will miss you dearly! May the family-tree you left behind be ever green and flourishing, in Jesus’ Name
To me, you were
#Uncle
#TheBestUncleEver
#MyGodFather
#Dada
#OloriEbi
#LeaderOfTheLucasClan
#TheProfessor
To society at large, you were
#GlobalHealthExpert
#HavardProfessor
#ACarnegieCorpProgramChair
#aWHOtdrDirector #PrinceMahidolAwardRecipient #FirstClassKnightOfTheOrderOfDirekgunabhorn #OfficerOfTheOrderOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria to mention just a few.
You lived your life on purpose. You made tremendous impact. I will miss you dearly! May the family-tree you left behind be ever green and flourishing, in Jesus’ Name
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
TRIBUTE TO PROF ADETOKUNBO OLUMIDE OLUWOLE LUCAS
I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Professor Adetokunbo Olumide Oluwole Lucas, our highly distinguished and illustrious compatriot, an intellectual Titan and a renowned global health leader.
Indeed, an academic colossus has departed from our midst!
A lot has been said and written on the accomplishments of Professor Lucas and it will take several hours to recount them.
His enduring legacy here at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan is the laying of a solid foundation for the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine which has now metamorphosed into the Faculty of Public Health.
After a meritorious service at the University of Ibadan, Professor Lucas joined the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland in 1976 as the pioneer Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) – which is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank.
Under his leadership at the WHO/TDR, new forms of therapy, still in use today, were developed for malaria, river blindness, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness, schistosomiasis, and leprosy as well as new approaches in social, economic, and epidemiological research. Also at the WHO, he initiated the innovative public-private partnership, starting with Merck Corporation, to use ivermectin to treat river blindness.
Following a highly successful 10 years at the WHO (1976-1986), Professor Lucas joined the services of the Carnegie Corporation of New York as the first chair of the Program for Strengthening Human Resources in Developing Countries.
At the Carnegie Corporation, amongst his many innovative partnership building grants, with Columbia University and universities across West Africa whilst, he launched the Prevention of Maternal Mortality Program to save women's lives across Africa, and then globally, in support of WHO's Safe Motherhood Initiative.
His contributions to the fight against maternal mortality earned him the honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of the United Kingdom.
In 1986, he was one of the 20 recipients of the Harvard Medal, an award that is made only once every 50 years.
In 1990, he was appointed Professor of International Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and he is currently an Adjunct professor in the Department of Global Health. The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine awarded him one of the two Centennial medals issued in recognition of a ‘Lifetime Achievement in Tropical Medicine’.
In his professional career, Professor Lucas sat on various advisory boards. He chaired the Global Forum for Health Research when the new entity was established to promote international health research. He also served as senior global health advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carter Center. And to date, populations around the world still benefit from his legacy. .
As we mourn the passing to glory of this International Icon, we must remember that Professor Lucas led an exemplary life, and had left the world better than he met it. He was a huge contributor to global health through his research, leadership and mentorship.
May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. And may the good Lord grant his wife, children, grand children and the extended family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Amen
Emeritus Professor E. Oluwole Akande, OON, DPhil (Oxford), FNAMed, FRCOG (UK), FWACS, Hon FCOG (South Africa)
Foundation Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan & Pioneer Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Professor Adetokunbo Olumide Oluwole Lucas, our highly distinguished and illustrious compatriot, an intellectual Titan and a renowned global health leader.
Indeed, an academic colossus has departed from our midst!
A lot has been said and written on the accomplishments of Professor Lucas and it will take several hours to recount them.
His enduring legacy here at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan is the laying of a solid foundation for the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine which has now metamorphosed into the Faculty of Public Health.
After a meritorious service at the University of Ibadan, Professor Lucas joined the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland in 1976 as the pioneer Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) – which is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank.
Under his leadership at the WHO/TDR, new forms of therapy, still in use today, were developed for malaria, river blindness, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness, schistosomiasis, and leprosy as well as new approaches in social, economic, and epidemiological research. Also at the WHO, he initiated the innovative public-private partnership, starting with Merck Corporation, to use ivermectin to treat river blindness.
Following a highly successful 10 years at the WHO (1976-1986), Professor Lucas joined the services of the Carnegie Corporation of New York as the first chair of the Program for Strengthening Human Resources in Developing Countries.
At the Carnegie Corporation, amongst his many innovative partnership building grants, with Columbia University and universities across West Africa whilst, he launched the Prevention of Maternal Mortality Program to save women's lives across Africa, and then globally, in support of WHO's Safe Motherhood Initiative.
His contributions to the fight against maternal mortality earned him the honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of the United Kingdom.
In 1986, he was one of the 20 recipients of the Harvard Medal, an award that is made only once every 50 years.
In 1990, he was appointed Professor of International Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and he is currently an Adjunct professor in the Department of Global Health. The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine awarded him one of the two Centennial medals issued in recognition of a ‘Lifetime Achievement in Tropical Medicine’.
In his professional career, Professor Lucas sat on various advisory boards. He chaired the Global Forum for Health Research when the new entity was established to promote international health research. He also served as senior global health advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carter Center. And to date, populations around the world still benefit from his legacy. .
As we mourn the passing to glory of this International Icon, we must remember that Professor Lucas led an exemplary life, and had left the world better than he met it. He was a huge contributor to global health through his research, leadership and mentorship.
May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. And may the good Lord grant his wife, children, grand children and the extended family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Amen
Emeritus Professor E. Oluwole Akande, OON, DPhil (Oxford), FNAMed, FRCOG (UK), FWACS, Hon FCOG (South Africa)
Foundation Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan & Pioneer Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
MY TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL MENTOR
Although Professor Lucas’ departure is painful, we thank God for the long and impactful life he lived. I have great memories of him and appreciate him for the wonderful opportunities he brought my way and his untiring support till death. Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, is one of the world’s leading tropical disease experts of his generation and many generations to come. His contributions have led to disease eradication.
Although a founding Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science, we both got inducted as Fellow of the Academy (FAS) in May 2011, and I was privileged to be seated next to him and right there I invited him to attend my inaugural lecture, slated a month away on 16th June 2011. I was again honoured to have him at that event and thereafter, he was quite impressed with the lecture and he became an automatic mentor and promoter of my career.
One rare assignment he gave me was to be the Book Reviewer for the book he and his friends wrote about a great physician Professor (Mrs.) Oyinade Olurin when she turned 80 in 2014 titled “OYINADE ODUTOLA-OLURIN: A RARE GEM. It was quite shocking to me because I was the least qualified to undertake this assignment but he would take No for an answer”.
He recommended me some prizes, worked very hard, spent long hours with me in his home and despite failing eyes, to ensure I won international prizes especially the Shaw prize based on my work on malaria and infectious disease. I felt that these prizes were beyond my reach but he did not give up on me. He wanted me to take after him since he has won several international medals and he was proud to show me the list including - the Mary Kingsley Medal of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit, the Prince Mahidol Award for his global contributions to tropical disease research, and the Thai Grand Cross First Class for his good deeds in Thailand among several. My deep regret though is that by the time I won the African Union Regional Kwame Nkrumah prize in 2021 (something not near your desires and dreams for me), he was not fit enough to appreciate it and I kept postponing visiting him till he passed.
He shared almost every aspect of his life with me from family tree, his childhood, his schooling, his love for music and playing piano, his career within and outside Nigeria, his research in tropical diseases, his laurels, medals, prizes, recognitions, successes of his children and grandchildren. Finally was sharing and given me his autobiography titled - “It Was the Best of Times: From Local to Global Health.” which gives his perspective on the emergence of global health, as a participant on this change. He also did not fail to recount how his first year birthday in 1932 was cancelled due to attack of measles. He was glad to devote a chapter to the pharmaceutical Industry.
When he turned 85, he ensured I attended the regular lecture series in his honour at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife graced by the then Director General of NACA and other great scholars. He ensured I wrote a testimonial on him for a book compilation in His honour by – Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (9th edition) in 2018.
Professor Lucas has been very friendly and warm to me so much so that he has accepted my invitations for academic and social roles. For example, he willingly accepted to be the Chairman of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan 30th anniversary in May 2014, while I was the Dean of that Faculty. He added much colour and prestige to this event that people wondered how I was able to get him. I was so thrilled.
To know who Professor Lucas is to know a celebrity in the area of global health, a distinguished personality and an accomplished individual. He is the definition of a distinguished person
I will miss him and I know his family will miss him most. But we thank God for the fruitful and impactful life he lived which traversed all the regions of the world. He lived well and died on Christmas day – the Day of our Lord.
May God comfort the wife, children, family, colleagues, well-wishers and all who mourn him.
Adieu Professor Adetokunbo Lucas
Although Professor Lucas’ departure is painful, we thank God for the long and impactful life he lived. I have great memories of him and appreciate him for the wonderful opportunities he brought my way and his untiring support till death. Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, is one of the world’s leading tropical disease experts of his generation and many generations to come. His contributions have led to disease eradication.
Although a founding Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science, we both got inducted as Fellow of the Academy (FAS) in May 2011, and I was privileged to be seated next to him and right there I invited him to attend my inaugural lecture, slated a month away on 16th June 2011. I was again honoured to have him at that event and thereafter, he was quite impressed with the lecture and he became an automatic mentor and promoter of my career.
One rare assignment he gave me was to be the Book Reviewer for the book he and his friends wrote about a great physician Professor (Mrs.) Oyinade Olurin when she turned 80 in 2014 titled “OYINADE ODUTOLA-OLURIN: A RARE GEM. It was quite shocking to me because I was the least qualified to undertake this assignment but he would take No for an answer”.
He recommended me some prizes, worked very hard, spent long hours with me in his home and despite failing eyes, to ensure I won international prizes especially the Shaw prize based on my work on malaria and infectious disease. I felt that these prizes were beyond my reach but he did not give up on me. He wanted me to take after him since he has won several international medals and he was proud to show me the list including - the Mary Kingsley Medal of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit, the Prince Mahidol Award for his global contributions to tropical disease research, and the Thai Grand Cross First Class for his good deeds in Thailand among several. My deep regret though is that by the time I won the African Union Regional Kwame Nkrumah prize in 2021 (something not near your desires and dreams for me), he was not fit enough to appreciate it and I kept postponing visiting him till he passed.
He shared almost every aspect of his life with me from family tree, his childhood, his schooling, his love for music and playing piano, his career within and outside Nigeria, his research in tropical diseases, his laurels, medals, prizes, recognitions, successes of his children and grandchildren. Finally was sharing and given me his autobiography titled - “It Was the Best of Times: From Local to Global Health.” which gives his perspective on the emergence of global health, as a participant on this change. He also did not fail to recount how his first year birthday in 1932 was cancelled due to attack of measles. He was glad to devote a chapter to the pharmaceutical Industry.
When he turned 85, he ensured I attended the regular lecture series in his honour at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife graced by the then Director General of NACA and other great scholars. He ensured I wrote a testimonial on him for a book compilation in His honour by – Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (9th edition) in 2018.
Professor Lucas has been very friendly and warm to me so much so that he has accepted my invitations for academic and social roles. For example, he willingly accepted to be the Chairman of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan 30th anniversary in May 2014, while I was the Dean of that Faculty. He added much colour and prestige to this event that people wondered how I was able to get him. I was so thrilled.
To know who Professor Lucas is to know a celebrity in the area of global health, a distinguished personality and an accomplished individual. He is the definition of a distinguished person
I will miss him and I know his family will miss him most. But we thank God for the fruitful and impactful life he lived which traversed all the regions of the world. He lived well and died on Christmas day – the Day of our Lord.
May God comfort the wife, children, family, colleagues, well-wishers and all who mourn him.
Adieu Professor Adetokunbo Lucas
January 21, 2021
January 21, 2021
Decades of friendship
Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas was a very good friend of my late dad, Dr. George Oladipo Ogunmekan. As the story goes on the 1st of March, 1949, ‘m.v. APAPA' moved from Lagos port at Apapa on its way to Liverpool, England. It took 13 days to reach its destination stopping in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Las Palmas. My dad and Mr. Lucas, at that time, were on their way to the most important step in their career. Both were going to study medicine at the University of Durham, England. They spent the first three months in Norwich at the City College. The short stay in Norwich helped them adapt to the temperature, food, and other local features of their new environment.
They both started the medical course in Newcastle in September 1949. The six-year course passed remarkably quickly. Their classmates included half a dozen West African students, among whom were Prof. Lucas’s late cousin, Dr. Taiwo Oluwole, and the late Dr. Dele Odulate. My dad, Dr. G.O. Ogunmekan graduated in 1955 while Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas graduated the following year because he had taken an extra course in physiology. In addition to the hard work in going through the curriculum, the period laid the foundation of a warm friendship between Prof. Lucas and my dad, Dr. G.O. Ogunmekan – a friendship that lasted 7 decades!
This is an adaptation of the Tribute written by Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas during the burial service of my dad who passed away on the 12th of January 2018
May his soul rest in perfect peace, Mrs. Adetinoye Olushina
Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas was a very good friend of my late dad, Dr. George Oladipo Ogunmekan. As the story goes on the 1st of March, 1949, ‘m.v. APAPA' moved from Lagos port at Apapa on its way to Liverpool, England. It took 13 days to reach its destination stopping in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Las Palmas. My dad and Mr. Lucas, at that time, were on their way to the most important step in their career. Both were going to study medicine at the University of Durham, England. They spent the first three months in Norwich at the City College. The short stay in Norwich helped them adapt to the temperature, food, and other local features of their new environment.
They both started the medical course in Newcastle in September 1949. The six-year course passed remarkably quickly. Their classmates included half a dozen West African students, among whom were Prof. Lucas’s late cousin, Dr. Taiwo Oluwole, and the late Dr. Dele Odulate. My dad, Dr. G.O. Ogunmekan graduated in 1955 while Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas graduated the following year because he had taken an extra course in physiology. In addition to the hard work in going through the curriculum, the period laid the foundation of a warm friendship between Prof. Lucas and my dad, Dr. G.O. Ogunmekan – a friendship that lasted 7 decades!
This is an adaptation of the Tribute written by Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas during the burial service of my dad who passed away on the 12th of January 2018
May his soul rest in perfect peace, Mrs. Adetinoye Olushina
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Dear Lucas family and friends!
I met Adetokunbo once. It was a memory for life. In november 1991 he came travelling to Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm to instruct me and my colleague, the late Björn Lindström, on our mission to Ibadan and Accra. We were both young scientists recruited by professor Folke Sjöqvist to evaluate and guide TDR on decisions regarding clinical pharmacology research strengthening in the two universities. It was amazing that he trusted us. His visionary ideas on tropical research and his friendly mind made our mission unforgettable. He convinced us about the importance and implications of TDR-related research and development. For the past 50 years tropical clinical pharmacology research and training has been a major interest of mine. I am so glad that I have met him and so sorry that it was not feasible to meet Adetonkunbo when visiting and lecturing in Lagos in November 2019. I know that Dr Lucas had many ties with the late Sune Bergström and they worked nicely together. I have been told by a friend of mine, Dr Lennart Freij, that once visiting Stockholm Adetokunbo asked for a possibility to play on an organ. Dr Bergström arranged it and he was playing for Lennart Freij and Sune Bergström in Stockholm Concert Hall, where the Nobel Prize Ceremony takes place normally. Adetonkbu was a great scientist and a great person that I will remember for ever.
Thank you
Lars L Gustafsson
Professor MD
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm Sweden
I met Adetokunbo once. It was a memory for life. In november 1991 he came travelling to Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm to instruct me and my colleague, the late Björn Lindström, on our mission to Ibadan and Accra. We were both young scientists recruited by professor Folke Sjöqvist to evaluate and guide TDR on decisions regarding clinical pharmacology research strengthening in the two universities. It was amazing that he trusted us. His visionary ideas on tropical research and his friendly mind made our mission unforgettable. He convinced us about the importance and implications of TDR-related research and development. For the past 50 years tropical clinical pharmacology research and training has been a major interest of mine. I am so glad that I have met him and so sorry that it was not feasible to meet Adetonkunbo when visiting and lecturing in Lagos in November 2019. I know that Dr Lucas had many ties with the late Sune Bergström and they worked nicely together. I have been told by a friend of mine, Dr Lennart Freij, that once visiting Stockholm Adetokunbo asked for a possibility to play on an organ. Dr Bergström arranged it and he was playing for Lennart Freij and Sune Bergström in Stockholm Concert Hall, where the Nobel Prize Ceremony takes place normally. Adetonkbu was a great scientist and a great person that I will remember for ever.
Thank you
Lars L Gustafsson
Professor MD
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm Sweden
January 17, 2021
January 17, 2021
Thank you is a word, an emotion, a state of being and can be an adjective. It is something we express but never often enough. We stand of the shoulders of our quiet heroes, they have a huge impact on our lives and their reverberations echo and unfold silently. Professor Lucas was one of the heroes in my adult life and career. I reached out at the very start of my public health journey and asked for a reference to LSHTM. Professor Lucas gave me one, supported and encouraged me as needed, challenged the unconscious bias shown by LSHTM, never interfered in my decisions and did not expect anything in return..not even a thank you. Of course I did express my gratitude. I intermittently informed him with a grateful heart of my milestones over the years. I wish that I had made an effort to let him know more often how ever so grateful I was, how I learnt a lot from his actions over the years, and how proud l am to be able to say I knew him. As I continue my work in Public Health..I celebrate Prof and remain every grateful. I applaud you Sir, Rest in perfect peace IJMN.
Dr Nike Arowobusoye
Dr Nike Arowobusoye
January 16, 2021
January 16, 2021
It is difficult to put into words what Prof Adetokunbo Lucas meant to a wide range of people. He would be warmly remembered for his extremely gentle disposition. He was a consummate public health physician, teacher, mentor and he cared so deeply for all. He will be missed for the person he was to me. A father. Rest in perfect peace.
January 11, 2021
January 11, 2021
TRIBUTE TO GRANDPA LUCAS
I will always cherish the moments we spent together during our decade-long acquaintance. Prior to the start of both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, you opened your doors to me and treated me like I were your grandson. The roles you played in my graduation ceremony and in helping to secure on-campus accommodation for my postgraduate studies will never be forgotten.
Our long discussions were always enjoyable and insightful. The breadth and depth of your knowledge on various subjects never ceased to amaze me, and I have always insisted to people that you are one of the most brilliant people I've had the pleasure of meeting. Your strong work ethic even in your advanced years is something that I continue to aspire to.
As you enjoy your eternal rest, I am certain that you will have, in the words of one of your favourite books, "the best of times".
I will always cherish the moments we spent together during our decade-long acquaintance. Prior to the start of both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, you opened your doors to me and treated me like I were your grandson. The roles you played in my graduation ceremony and in helping to secure on-campus accommodation for my postgraduate studies will never be forgotten.
Our long discussions were always enjoyable and insightful. The breadth and depth of your knowledge on various subjects never ceased to amaze me, and I have always insisted to people that you are one of the most brilliant people I've had the pleasure of meeting. Your strong work ethic even in your advanced years is something that I continue to aspire to.
As you enjoy your eternal rest, I am certain that you will have, in the words of one of your favourite books, "the best of times".
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Adieu Distinguished Prof Adetokunbo Lucas
Amidst the pain of your departure, your outstanding global impact speaks volumes and gives comfort. Thank you for leaving the world in a much better place than you saw it. As a public health physician and also a recipient of the prestigious Adetokunbo Lucas Award, you are forever my inspiration.
The Lord comfort the entire family and also the academic community. May his legacies of love, care, great mentoring, and giving his very best to the world live on through us to the glory of God!
Sleep in the Lord's bossom dear exceptional teacher and professor per excellence!
Dr Ibitein N. Okeafor
Amidst the pain of your departure, your outstanding global impact speaks volumes and gives comfort. Thank you for leaving the world in a much better place than you saw it. As a public health physician and also a recipient of the prestigious Adetokunbo Lucas Award, you are forever my inspiration.
The Lord comfort the entire family and also the academic community. May his legacies of love, care, great mentoring, and giving his very best to the world live on through us to the glory of God!
Sleep in the Lord's bossom dear exceptional teacher and professor per excellence!
Dr Ibitein N. Okeafor
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Tribute to my beloved Uncle, Professor Adetokunbo O. Lucas O. F. R.
Uncle it's such a privilege to be related to an icon, a trail blazer who left giant foot prints, a role model for all generations, an international celebrity, a man for all seasons.
Thank you Uncle for being you.
Many who related to you also knew the other side of you. The kind, caring, loving, large hearted, God fearing father and grandfather.
My earliest recollection of you was at UCH, Ibadan, when I was about 4years old. We all lived in close proximity to each other in those early days in the beautiful serene Hospital setting.
You were so loving and caring that I bonded to you and Aunty Kofo immediately. So much so that in at least in 2 occasions when I got angry and frustrated with my own mother and then Aunty Toro, I would pack a little bag and tell them I'm going to walk up the hill to my uncle's house and live with him because I wasn't going to live with my mother anymore.
Thank you again Uncle for being you.
The first and only time to date when I visited Geneva was during your days with the WHO and you made sure I had a wonderful visit.
We Praise Jesus for beautiful memories of you. I pray that your children would be even greater than you.
Rest in Perfect Peace Uncle, till we meet again at Jesus feet. Amen.
Uncle it's such a privilege to be related to an icon, a trail blazer who left giant foot prints, a role model for all generations, an international celebrity, a man for all seasons.
Thank you Uncle for being you.
Many who related to you also knew the other side of you. The kind, caring, loving, large hearted, God fearing father and grandfather.
My earliest recollection of you was at UCH, Ibadan, when I was about 4years old. We all lived in close proximity to each other in those early days in the beautiful serene Hospital setting.
You were so loving and caring that I bonded to you and Aunty Kofo immediately. So much so that in at least in 2 occasions when I got angry and frustrated with my own mother and then Aunty Toro, I would pack a little bag and tell them I'm going to walk up the hill to my uncle's house and live with him because I wasn't going to live with my mother anymore.
Thank you again Uncle for being you.
The first and only time to date when I visited Geneva was during your days with the WHO and you made sure I had a wonderful visit.
We Praise Jesus for beautiful memories of you. I pray that your children would be even greater than you.
Rest in Perfect Peace Uncle, till we meet again at Jesus feet. Amen.
January 9, 2021
January 9, 2021
TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ADETOKUNBO LUCAS
We before I met Professor Lucas, I had read and heard so much about him. Anytime, I read about WHO in the news, I always thought we were being well represented. Our first meeting was at a University of Ibadan retreat. We were all holed up for 3 days. The purpose was related to the UI visioning process and strategic plan. Before starting my paper, I gave an anecdote about life. During the break time, he wanted to know more of what I was trying to convey. We exchanged phone numbers and I promised to visit him in Ibadan. I visited as promised, and while waiting for what I thought would be a round of drinks, he excused himself. He went to his room and arrived with a projector. He requested for one hour of my time. He gave me a lecture on life with slides. The lecture related to everything under the sun – healthcare, philosophy, religion, gender and several other genres. I saw life as interdependent and all weaved into one. It occurred to me that life was so simple, yet so tough. It was an eye opening experience. After that, we had drinks with him regaling me with his early career life and several jokes - all bringing a window on the world. He made such an impression on me. I was grateful to have met an educated man with an educated mind. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.
Professor Ayodeji Oluleye
We before I met Professor Lucas, I had read and heard so much about him. Anytime, I read about WHO in the news, I always thought we were being well represented. Our first meeting was at a University of Ibadan retreat. We were all holed up for 3 days. The purpose was related to the UI visioning process and strategic plan. Before starting my paper, I gave an anecdote about life. During the break time, he wanted to know more of what I was trying to convey. We exchanged phone numbers and I promised to visit him in Ibadan. I visited as promised, and while waiting for what I thought would be a round of drinks, he excused himself. He went to his room and arrived with a projector. He requested for one hour of my time. He gave me a lecture on life with slides. The lecture related to everything under the sun – healthcare, philosophy, religion, gender and several other genres. I saw life as interdependent and all weaved into one. It occurred to me that life was so simple, yet so tough. It was an eye opening experience. After that, we had drinks with him regaling me with his early career life and several jokes - all bringing a window on the world. He made such an impression on me. I was grateful to have met an educated man with an educated mind. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.
Professor Ayodeji Oluleye
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
TRIBUTE TO MY GODPAPA
My close relationship with you dates back to 1968 when I gained admission to International School, University of Ibadan. You and aunty became my legal guardians, a role you both played with so much love and joy that to this day I consider you my second parents. You extended your love to my son , Afetame, in his University of Ibadan days, playing the role of legal guardian and grandpa.
As an ISI student I spent my long weekends with your family and always felt at home. I recall informing you and my parents of my confirmation exactly a week before the day. Not only were you present physically, you had a ram slaughtered for your Goddaughter and arranged a lavish reception with more than half of the ISI boarders present.
On 7th September, 1991 you walked me up the aisle and gave me away in marriage, thus making it possible for my daddy to join Philip and I in Holy wedlock. You flew in with Aunty from the USA to honour my request. What show of love!
In 2010 you communicated daily from the UK with the surgeon who operated on my husband, monitoring his progress for 5 weeks until it pleased God to call him home. You were one in a million.
I will miss your birthday calls and lively conversations but will forever cherish the memories of your unalloyed love towards Afetame and me.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Creator.
Olufunmilayo Alabi
(Your Goddaugter)
My close relationship with you dates back to 1968 when I gained admission to International School, University of Ibadan. You and aunty became my legal guardians, a role you both played with so much love and joy that to this day I consider you my second parents. You extended your love to my son , Afetame, in his University of Ibadan days, playing the role of legal guardian and grandpa.
As an ISI student I spent my long weekends with your family and always felt at home. I recall informing you and my parents of my confirmation exactly a week before the day. Not only were you present physically, you had a ram slaughtered for your Goddaughter and arranged a lavish reception with more than half of the ISI boarders present.
On 7th September, 1991 you walked me up the aisle and gave me away in marriage, thus making it possible for my daddy to join Philip and I in Holy wedlock. You flew in with Aunty from the USA to honour my request. What show of love!
In 2010 you communicated daily from the UK with the surgeon who operated on my husband, monitoring his progress for 5 weeks until it pleased God to call him home. You were one in a million.
I will miss your birthday calls and lively conversations but will forever cherish the memories of your unalloyed love towards Afetame and me.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Creator.
Olufunmilayo Alabi
(Your Goddaugter)
January 7, 2021
January 7, 2021
Prof Lucas was a great teacher and advisor. He made public health so interesting in my undergraduate days in early 1970s at the University of Ibadan that I still remember some of his areas of emphasis as I moved on in my career from management of pain in surgery to palliative care in the community. My husband and I cherish the sessions of piano music in his house. Rest in Peace our dear Prof.
January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
Emeritus Professor Adetokunbo Lucas
My teacher at the University of Ibadan.
What else shall I say about all I have been privileged to experience and know about your life both within and outside Academia?
Splendid Prof! Splendid Prof!! Absolutely Splendid Prof!!!
May this be the verdict of God Almighty whose final judgement is all that matters.
"His master replied, 'Good job! You're a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's happiness.' (Mat 25:23)
(GOD'S WORD Translation)
Emeritus Prof. Yetunde Mercy Olumide
My teacher at the University of Ibadan.
What else shall I say about all I have been privileged to experience and know about your life both within and outside Academia?
Splendid Prof! Splendid Prof!! Absolutely Splendid Prof!!!
May this be the verdict of God Almighty whose final judgement is all that matters.
"His master replied, 'Good job! You're a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's happiness.' (Mat 25:23)
(GOD'S WORD Translation)
Emeritus Prof. Yetunde Mercy Olumide
January 2, 2021
January 2, 2021
He was a good friend and mentor. He helped me so much with his humor and wisdom. He cherished his friends and loved me unconditionally. I will miss him. Until we meet again. A true elder and father.
December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, Former Professor and Head of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) who passed away on Christmas Day 2020 was one of the most distinguished and erudite scholars UI has had the fortune of adorning its academic staff. Since his demise was announced, a lot of well-deserved tributes have been paid to this giant global health guru. As for me, I will limit myself to my knowledge and acquitance of him at UI. As Professors, we lived together on Saunder's Road and our families interacted with each other very well. It is no surprise then that when I called to give my condolences to his widow, she asked after my children even by name.
Prof. Lucas was a versatile man of many interests. He once came to me in my office to present a proposal about the need for medical students to have a working knowledge of the dominant language they would encounter in doctor-patient interaction. It is well-known that getting a third-party to interpret is not really without its problems. Hence he, as a doctor, and I, as a linguist, worked together on Yoruba expressions for consultation with patients. Because of the rigid nature of the curriculum, not much came out of this initiative. However, recent efforts to add a language component to the medical curriculum appear to be gaining momentum.
The reverse of this collaboration was when a student of mine was looking for materials on the broadcasts of Chief S.L. Akintola, former Premier of Western Region. Owing to the political turbulence that accompanied the 1966 military coup, those in whose custody the official recordings were either deliberately or mistakenly destroyed them. It was a great surprise for us to discover that Professor Lucas had recorded some of these broadcasts and he graciously made the recordings available for the student's research.
Many lecturers in UI may not be aware that Professor Lucas was one of the pioneers of the use of power point for public lectures. While, for most lecturers, giving a lecture meant standing at a podium and reading from a script, Prof. Lucas showed the way to an interesting and delightful visual presentation.
One day I was at the Chapel of the Resurrection, U.I. and, to my great surprise, the organist displaying incredible mastery on the pipe organ was no other than Professor Lucas. I gather that he learnt the art when he was already an older person.
As a person, Professor Lucas was forthright, eloquent and blessed with powerful argumentation. He had a delightful sense of humour in English and Yoruba in both of which he was eminently eloquent accompanied by a wry smile.
With the departure of Professor Lucas, UI has lost one of its most eminent Professors who had brought honour and fame to the institution. My condolences go to Mrs Kofo Lucas and the children. May God console them and may he rest in peace!
Prof. Lucas was a versatile man of many interests. He once came to me in my office to present a proposal about the need for medical students to have a working knowledge of the dominant language they would encounter in doctor-patient interaction. It is well-known that getting a third-party to interpret is not really without its problems. Hence he, as a doctor, and I, as a linguist, worked together on Yoruba expressions for consultation with patients. Because of the rigid nature of the curriculum, not much came out of this initiative. However, recent efforts to add a language component to the medical curriculum appear to be gaining momentum.
The reverse of this collaboration was when a student of mine was looking for materials on the broadcasts of Chief S.L. Akintola, former Premier of Western Region. Owing to the political turbulence that accompanied the 1966 military coup, those in whose custody the official recordings were either deliberately or mistakenly destroyed them. It was a great surprise for us to discover that Professor Lucas had recorded some of these broadcasts and he graciously made the recordings available for the student's research.
Many lecturers in UI may not be aware that Professor Lucas was one of the pioneers of the use of power point for public lectures. While, for most lecturers, giving a lecture meant standing at a podium and reading from a script, Prof. Lucas showed the way to an interesting and delightful visual presentation.
One day I was at the Chapel of the Resurrection, U.I. and, to my great surprise, the organist displaying incredible mastery on the pipe organ was no other than Professor Lucas. I gather that he learnt the art when he was already an older person.
As a person, Professor Lucas was forthright, eloquent and blessed with powerful argumentation. He had a delightful sense of humour in English and Yoruba in both of which he was eminently eloquent accompanied by a wry smile.
With the departure of Professor Lucas, UI has lost one of its most eminent Professors who had brought honour and fame to the institution. My condolences go to Mrs Kofo Lucas and the children. May God console them and may he rest in peace!
December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
What a privilege it was to work for Dr. Lucas as a young member of the grantmaking staff at the Carnegie Corporation of New York in the late 1980s.
His beaming smile and booming laugh encouraged me and charmed even the grantseekers to whom he had to deliver disappointing news - sometimes in the form of an African fable or proverb to soften the blow. A giant has left us.
His beaming smile and booming laugh encouraged me and charmed even the grantseekers to whom he had to deliver disappointing news - sometimes in the form of an African fable or proverb to soften the blow. A giant has left us.
December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Prof. Lucas was a great man, and left his prints on sand of soil in global health space. Good night Prof. We will always remember you for who you are, all you were able to accomplish for humanity; and for making the world a better place!
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
A remarkable man, a giant in Tropical Health. The whole Global Health community will mourn his passing. I was introduced to Ade via his great friend and collaborator Herbert Gilles. My privilege was to have learnt so much from him over the years at TDR meetings and later on the International Task Force for Disease Eradication where his intellectual power, vision, knowledge, wisdom and humanity were always recognized by his colleagues as supreme. He leaves an unmatchable legacy. A great Nigerian of whom his country and home city of Ibadan should be truly proud. I treasure a generous gift from him after a short time in Liverpool during a period of study which will serve a reminder of a wonderful individual and friend.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
Developing-8 Mourns Professor Adetokunmbo Lucas
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, medical community and academia on the death of Professor Adetokunmbo Lucas.
Until his death, Professor ‘Ade Lucas’ as fondly called was renowned globally for his prowess in Public Health. An astute teacher of public health and upon whose wings, many health experts have emerged, contributing to human resource development in Nigeria and globally.
The Developing-8 Health and Social Protection Programme, wish to commiserate with the entire alumni of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, close associates of Professor Lucas, friends and immediate family on this great loss.
We take solace in the life he lived while with us. He groomed men and women of great value to the society, he contributed significantly to the capacity building and human resource development for public health globally. His contributions to the fight against maternal mortality will remain fresh in our memory.
Rest in Peace our dear Professor Adetokunmbo Lucas.
Signed,
Dr Ado J.G Muhammad
Global Programme Director,
D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme.
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, medical community and academia on the death of Professor Adetokunmbo Lucas.
Until his death, Professor ‘Ade Lucas’ as fondly called was renowned globally for his prowess in Public Health. An astute teacher of public health and upon whose wings, many health experts have emerged, contributing to human resource development in Nigeria and globally.
The Developing-8 Health and Social Protection Programme, wish to commiserate with the entire alumni of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, close associates of Professor Lucas, friends and immediate family on this great loss.
We take solace in the life he lived while with us. He groomed men and women of great value to the society, he contributed significantly to the capacity building and human resource development for public health globally. His contributions to the fight against maternal mortality will remain fresh in our memory.
Rest in Peace our dear Professor Adetokunmbo Lucas.
Signed,
Dr Ado J.G Muhammad
Global Programme Director,
D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
Ade Lucas was a major thought leader during a critical period for neglected disease research. He led the Special Program in Tropical Disease Research at WHO for a decade and he shaped the world's thinking on how to bring modern science to bear on the most neglected diseases. The advances in treatment, prevention and vector control for malaria all had their beginnings at TDR under Ade's leadership - the development of insecticide treated bednets, the development and registration of artemisinin combination therapy, the discovery of the RTS,S vaccine and the development of the malaria RDT. Ade brought a combination of innovative thinking and a discipline of evidence based decision making to bear on every problem. He knew real world problems from personal experience, but his mind allowed for blue-sky ideas to make the game-changing innovations possible. His lasting legacy will the many lives he touched through teaching and training - he will be long be remembered by generations of young scientists as his vision, love of science and dedication to public health are passed from one generation to the next. Ade was a great personal friend, a valued mentor and a lasting role model. I will miss his optimism, his wit and his warm, generous personality.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
Prof Adetokunbo Lucas was a man of grace, wisdom and keen intelligence. He was a force within the tropical health community. All of us in the global health community will miss him tremendously. I deeply respected all that he added to the deliberations of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication where it was my joy to have met him. He was treasure and will be missed.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
I'm at it again: great things will be said about Dr. Lucas and they will keep coming and coming, more and more. I had written that Dr. Lucas gave me a new life in Cellular Parasitoloy research at the University of Ibadan. Now Prof. Roseangela Nwuba, the first post-graduate student in M.Sc (Cellular Parasitilogy) writes me to say: "Prof. I still remember the part he played when he was at WHO. If I'm not mistaken you sent my TDR training Fellowship application directly to him." Her application was successful. What a man of enormous talents and foresight. I do not now remember the extent to which he had supported me, encouraged me, and would do all within his abilities to promote our tropical disaseas research in an innovative area. I had immediate contact with him! What an amazing man!
May his loving soul rest in peace.
May his loving soul rest in peace.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
Virtually every important decision I have made about my Public Health career had its origin in what I learned from Professor Adetokunbo Olumide Lucas who can be described as “Legendary” in the field of Public Health.
I consider myself as divinely favoured to have met Professor Lucas at an Experts Seminar for women in Lagos almost 2 decades ago where he gave a brilliant exposition (typical of Prof) in a presentation on Maternal Health. I approached him after the program requesting to be his mentee. To my amazement and delight, after several discussions and exchange of emails and documents, he acceded.
Professor Lucas has a most endearing positive quality as a nurturer to his protégés, offering encouragement and factual insights from a position of profound life experience and proficiency in the health profession.
The mentor-mentee relationship I have enjoyed with Professor Lucas is replete with great memories that I am thankful for and would cherish forever. I remember receiving an international phone call from Prof the evening I passed my final examinations to become a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine) and he said to me “thank you for the good news, now I can have my first meal for the day.”
Professor Lucas’ mentorship focuses not only on the wellbeing of his mentees, but transcends generations. Through the years, my immediate family including my husband and children have benefitted immensely from his wealth of knowledge through linkages and guidance on educational and career choices. He is a firm believer of a good match in positive skills, quality education, values and good personality.
I have also been privileged to meet and interact with mummy (Mrs Kofo Lucas), who is most kind, compassionate and loving.
The Lord will comfort you (mummy), the entire Lucas clan, friends and colleagues at this time.
Adieu my great mentor!!!
May you find peace and rest in the bosom of the Lord.
I consider myself as divinely favoured to have met Professor Lucas at an Experts Seminar for women in Lagos almost 2 decades ago where he gave a brilliant exposition (typical of Prof) in a presentation on Maternal Health. I approached him after the program requesting to be his mentee. To my amazement and delight, after several discussions and exchange of emails and documents, he acceded.
Professor Lucas has a most endearing positive quality as a nurturer to his protégés, offering encouragement and factual insights from a position of profound life experience and proficiency in the health profession.
The mentor-mentee relationship I have enjoyed with Professor Lucas is replete with great memories that I am thankful for and would cherish forever. I remember receiving an international phone call from Prof the evening I passed my final examinations to become a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine) and he said to me “thank you for the good news, now I can have my first meal for the day.”
Professor Lucas’ mentorship focuses not only on the wellbeing of his mentees, but transcends generations. Through the years, my immediate family including my husband and children have benefitted immensely from his wealth of knowledge through linkages and guidance on educational and career choices. He is a firm believer of a good match in positive skills, quality education, values and good personality.
I have also been privileged to meet and interact with mummy (Mrs Kofo Lucas), who is most kind, compassionate and loving.
The Lord will comfort you (mummy), the entire Lucas clan, friends and colleagues at this time.
Adieu my great mentor!!!
May you find peace and rest in the bosom of the Lord.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
We celebrate an erudite scholar, a humorous and soft spoken uncle, head of the Oluwole family and the last and oldest surviving grandchild of Bishop Oluwole.
His presence will surely be missed but we are consoled that he has transited to a much deserved rest with his creator.
Farewell Cousin Tokunbo and continue to Rest In Peace.
Soji Oluwole.
His presence will surely be missed but we are consoled that he has transited to a much deserved rest with his creator.
Farewell Cousin Tokunbo and continue to Rest In Peace.
Soji Oluwole.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
Daddy just wanted the world to be a better place, he was selfless to a fault. He touched my life and the life of my family in a very special fatherly and unforgettable ways. He Lives forever in our hearts...... Rest Easy Daddy.
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
For over 50 years, everything I heard him say throbbed with energy, enthusiasm, and life itself. Surely, history will be kind to him in many ways. Go well, sir.
Kelsey Harrison
Tuusula, Finland
December 28, 2020
Kelsey Harrison
Tuusula, Finland
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Four years ago, I was privileged to invite you on a magazine programme of Diamond FM of the University of Ibadan and was awed by the reception I received and your willingness not just to be interviewed but to have it done within a short time in the station.
When you walked into the studio that fateful day and lit everywhere with your smile, I knew I had met a rare breed and indeed an ICON.
You are an epitome of humility and honourable in all sense.
Adieu, good hearted Pa till we meet in eternity.
(Presenter of ICON OF THE MOMENT)
When you walked into the studio that fateful day and lit everywhere with your smile, I knew I had met a rare breed and indeed an ICON.
You are an epitome of humility and honourable in all sense.
Adieu, good hearted Pa till we meet in eternity.
(Presenter of ICON OF THE MOMENT)
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Ade Lucas' scientific achievements in public health are legendary and have been lauded and garlanded by many individuals and learned organizations. His writings are a legacy of good instruction and precepts. His grace and humility are models for all, especially young physicians. But what I recall and cherish most are his friendship and his wise counsel. I will always be grateful for the manner in which he welcomed me to WHO and befriended me in his home in Geneva. he delighted us in our home with his wisdom, his anecdotes and his sense of humour. I always marveled at his capacity to make the perceptive, wise comment at the appropriate moment in the committees on which we served. But throughout the years, when we spoke or corresponded , it was not only science which engaged us, but it was also accounts of family and the strong bonds that should stretch through generations.
Let us all who knew or knew of him be grateful for the time he walked and talked among us and the wisdom he shared with us.
George Alleyne
Let us all who knew or knew of him be grateful for the time he walked and talked among us and the wisdom he shared with us.
George Alleyne
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
My Professor, your books and experiences in Public Health will forever be a reference point in Public Health practice. We just lost a School of Public Health. If you wanna know Professor Ade, get admitted into Public Health. We miss you.
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas cannot die, he only transited to immortality. When I discussed my interest to build my career in public health - a decision I made during my 4th year at Ibadan College of Medicine, I got minimal support from people I shared with. My mind was fully made up after reading the profile of Prof. Lucas and the book on tropical medicine he authored. I was highly motivated by his achievements and impact in global health and the medical profession in Nigeria. Meeting him in Abuja within 3 years of my graduation was a rare privilege. May God bless Nigeria with many more Adetokunbo Lucas. Best wishes to his family and loved ones.
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
*Prof. Adetokunbo O. Lucas -1931 to 2020*
Professor Adetokunbo O. Lucas was an outstanding medical scientist and scholar.
He served as a former Professor and Head Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the University of Ibadan.
He was Founding Director, WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.
He was a former Programme Chair, Carnegie Foundation.
He was a former Professor of International Health, Harvard University.
He was the first person ever to receive, in 1995, the highest academic honour of the University of Ibadan, Honorary Fellowship of UI, FUI.
I remember running into him at the British Airways Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London a few years ago while waiting on our flight to Lagos. We had fruitful discussions on funding of education and health in Nigeria and he was very kind enough to invite me to his home in Ibadan.
He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. We commiserate with his family and the entire Lucas dynasty.
We pray for the repose of his great but gentle soul. Good night, Sir.
Idowu Olayinka
(First posted on the Nigerian Academy of Science WhatsApp platform)
Professor Adetokunbo O. Lucas was an outstanding medical scientist and scholar.
He served as a former Professor and Head Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the University of Ibadan.
He was Founding Director, WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.
He was a former Programme Chair, Carnegie Foundation.
He was a former Professor of International Health, Harvard University.
He was the first person ever to receive, in 1995, the highest academic honour of the University of Ibadan, Honorary Fellowship of UI, FUI.
I remember running into him at the British Airways Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London a few years ago while waiting on our flight to Lagos. We had fruitful discussions on funding of education and health in Nigeria and he was very kind enough to invite me to his home in Ibadan.
He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. We commiserate with his family and the entire Lucas dynasty.
We pray for the repose of his great but gentle soul. Good night, Sir.
Idowu Olayinka
(First posted on the Nigerian Academy of Science WhatsApp platform)
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Ade Lucas was my mentor and teacher. I gained so many insights about international health from him and as a Carnegie corporation staffer about how best to give support to those most likely to use the funds wisely and maintain the benefits of Carnegie support for the longer term.
While at Carnegie, working with Ade was a highlight of my 10 years there. He was a wonderful human being and I shall miss him greatly.
While at Carnegie, working with Ade was a highlight of my 10 years there. He was a wonderful human being and I shall miss him greatly.
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Gone yet not forgotten, your spirit lives on. Left a legacy of positive experiences. I went with mummy, Mrs Modupe Lucas to his house, he was nice and pleasant. Sleep on beloved
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Prof.Lucas was a colleague of my husband but was a friend of the family. We were neighbours in Ibadan and I regarded him as Uncle from Lagos.
Rest in perfect peace Prof.
Rest in perfect peace Prof.
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
He re-engineered my research priorities and gave me breathing space in cellular and molecular parasitilogy. This was Dr. Lucas. In 1975 Nobel Laureate Chritian de Duve had appointed me to a research fellowship at ICP, International Centre for Cellular Pathology, Brussels. I could not take up the appointment as I had planned to return to Nigeria after 10 years of research on cell and molecular biology. Prof de Duve kept the appointment open and hoped I would join him some day. That day came: in 1979 I applied to ICP to spend my study leave there. Prof de Duve gladly took me to Dr. Adetokunbo Lucas who was then Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR for short. I applied for a fellowship grant from TDR and Dr Lucas approved the award. Thus began my research on trypanosomes and later on malaria with funding from TDR. In late summer 1980 they invited me to Geneva. I shall never forget what Dr. Lucas told me: "Mark, do good work. This programme is just beginning. Give us good reason to be proud." Give us good reason to be proud - and so my research now moved to apply the tools of cell and molecular biology to problems in parasitilogy. From 1980 till I retired in 2002, TDR funded our research on Cellular Parasitilogy. My efforts were received its initial and sustained impetus from Dr. Lucas. He was an exceptional man of unusual abilities. May his good soul rest in peace.
December 27, 2020
December 27, 2020
Remembered fondly as a colleague at Carnegie Corporation of New York. Rest in peace and rise in glory.
December 27, 2020
December 27, 2020
I remember Professor Lucas with fondness, gratitude, and admiration. I accumulated a large amount of data for my PhD degree thesis, and I was confounded and wondered how to make sense out of them at a time that computerization was almost unknown. He had a huge machine (perhaps the only one of its type in Nigeria, then --- outside of the Computing Centre at the main campus of the University of Ibadan) in his laboratory at the Department of Preventive Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan. He, personally, along with Professor, then Dr. Ayeni, undertook to commence the onerous analyses of the data. He displayed an infectious level of enthusiasm laced with confidence and humility, characteristic of great minds!! He subsequently served humanity for years and years, both nationally and internationally, and became a source of great pride for Nigeria and the entire black variant of the human race. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
December 27, 2020
December 27, 2020
I mourn the passing to eternity of my very dear teacher, mentor and international academic physician and public health guru of wide-ranging accolades and appreciation by international and Nigerian professionals who were either taught, mentored or otherwise influenced or impacted by his extraordinary contributions to international public health and medical education.
It is impossible to iterate his contributions and achievements in life, so I can only recommend that people read his autobiography: "It Was the Best of Times: from Local to Global Health", in order to have a more complete picture of his enviable accomplishments across the world, in health as well as in socio-cultural matters.
As for me - and indeed my fellow UI'69 graduates - who held a re-union at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan last year commemorating our 50th year Anniversary, the more I consider the humanity of man, the more I recognize just how humane Professor Adetokunbo Olumide Lucas was when, despite the frailty of age, he physically turned up for the event and stayed till everyone of us left before he departed the venue.
What an extraordinary man of internally professional acclaim, yet with unparalleled humility.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace - Amen.
Professor Idris Mohammed.
It is impossible to iterate his contributions and achievements in life, so I can only recommend that people read his autobiography: "It Was the Best of Times: from Local to Global Health", in order to have a more complete picture of his enviable accomplishments across the world, in health as well as in socio-cultural matters.
As for me - and indeed my fellow UI'69 graduates - who held a re-union at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan last year commemorating our 50th year Anniversary, the more I consider the humanity of man, the more I recognize just how humane Professor Adetokunbo Olumide Lucas was when, despite the frailty of age, he physically turned up for the event and stayed till everyone of us left before he departed the venue.
What an extraordinary man of internally professional acclaim, yet with unparalleled humility.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace - Amen.
Professor Idris Mohammed.
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Recent Tributes
November 25, 2023
November 25, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven dear Uncle, we continue to celebrate you.
March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023
What a generous and amiable person you were. I will always cherish the love you showed me when you were alive. The MRCP Paediatrics textbook you got me is still there. You were personally at my wedding ceremony. I am truly lost for words. May your gentle and graceful soul continue to rest in peace Prof Lucas.
It was a great privilege to have had personal encounters with you. I will always live to remember you.
It was a great privilege to have had personal encounters with you. I will always live to remember you.
January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
The last time I communicated with you was when we lost our mom Eunice Obi in 2009. I have been asking by brother if he had your contact. Little did I know you already left this world. You were a very great friend of our family. In 1986, my wife (Ugboaku)and I (Uzo)scheduled our wedding on a date that fit your schedule and you made it all the way from Switzerland to Enugu.
May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Uzo and Ugboaku Obi
Chijioke Obi and Ada Mojekeh ( née Obi)
On Behalf of the family of Late Nath and Eunice Obi
May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Uzo and Ugboaku Obi
Chijioke Obi and Ada Mojekeh ( née Obi)
On Behalf of the family of Late Nath and Eunice Obi
Gallery
Joyous memories. Uncle being Chairman at my wedding
Professor Lucas Chairman of 30th Anniversary of Faculty of Pharmacy UI in 2014
My Godfather walking me up the aisle at St Michael's Anglican Church, Epe on 7th September, 1991.
2012 article on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Jellofnews
Prof. Lucas with Dr. Donald Hopkins 2013
Prof. Lucas receiving the 2013 Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter Humanitarian Award
Professor Lucas at the Carter Center celebrating President Jimmy Carter's Nobel prize
Recent stories
Memorial Note - Prof. Michael Reich
January 25, 2021
by Lola Dare
Professor Adetokunbo O. Lucas passed away peacefully on Christmas day at his home in Ibadan, Nigeria, at the age of 89.
Ade Lucas, as he was known to many outside Nigeria, had deep connections to Harvard. His ties to Harvard began with a Masters degree in Hygiene in 1964, when he was also elected President of his Class. In 1983, he gave the commencement address at the School. In 1986, he received one of 20 Harvard Medals awarded on the 350th Anniversary of the University. In the early 1990s, he joined the School’s faculty as Professor of International Health for five years, when he served as director of the Harvard International Health Leadership Forum, a pathbreaking forum for Ministers of Health. I had the honor and pleasure of working with him regularly then. He continued as Adjunct Professor of International Health until his death. He stands as the School’s most illustrious graduate and faculty member from Africa. A truly great leader in public health globally.
Professor Lucas played a leadership role in many public health organizations during the latter half of the last century, in Africa, in Europe, in Asia, in the Americas; there are so many organizations, so many honors, it is impossible to list them all; I listed some on the slide, along with the cover from his autobiography.
For those of you who never met Professor Lucas, I would like to read the opening of his acceptance speech, when he received the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in 2013. He started with these words,
“Who made you?” the teacher asked his class at Sunday School. “How come?
Which part? Explain yourself”, the teacher pressed.
“God made me and I was small but I grew the rest myself”
Like the little boy, I was small when I arrived in the world. Unlike the cheeky boy, I am not so presumptuous to think that I did it all on my own. I followed the good advice that George Bernard Shaw gave: ‘To be successful in life, one must choose one’s parents with care’. I chose the best couple; my mother who taught me to read and write and to play the piano; and my father, a teacher and a pastor who embraced scholarly academic work as his leisure pursuit.
For me and for many, every encounter with Professor Lucas was a memorable experience. His conversations and his lectures sparkled with wide-ranging knowledge, an extraordinary story-telling capacity, and a sharp but gentle wit, and above all moral integrity.
The world and Harvard have lost a remarkable humanitarian in global health, and a great friend and mentor for many, including me.
A tribute to Professor Adetokunbo Lucas
January 23, 2021
Although Professor Lucas' departure is painful, we thank God for the long and impactful life he lived. I have great memories of him and appreciate him for the wonderful opportunities he brought my way and his untiring support till death. Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, is one of the world’s leading tropical disease experts of his generation and many generations to come. His contributions have led to disease eradication.
Although a founding Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science, we both got inducted as Fellow of the Academy (FAS) in May 2011, and I was privileged to be seated next to him and right there I invited him to attend my inaugural lecture, slated a month away on 16th June 2011. I was again honoured to have him at that event and thereafter, he was quite impressed with the lecture and he became an automatic mentor and promoter of my career.
One rare assignment he gave me was to be the Book Reviewer for the book he and his friends wrote about a great physician Professor (Mrs.) Oyinade Olurin when she turned 80 in 2014 titled “OYINADE ODUTOLA-OLURIN: A RARE GEM. It was quite shocking to me because I was the least qualified to undertake this assignment but he would take No for an answer”.
He recommended me some prizes, worked very hard, spent long hours with me in his home and despite failing eyes, to ensure I won international prizes especially the Shaw prize based on my work on malaria and infectious disease. I felt that these prizes were beyond my reach but he did not give up on me. He wanted me to take after him since he has won several international medals and he was proud to show me the list including - the Mary Kingsley Medal of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit, the Prince Mahidol Award for his global contributions to tropical disease research, and the Thai Grand Cross First Class for his good deeds in Thailand among several. My deep regret though is that by the time I won the African Union Regional Kwame Nkrumah prize in 2021 (something not near your desires and dreams for me), he was not fit enough to appreciate it and I kept postponing visiting him till he passed.
He shared almost every aspect of his life with me from family tree, his childhood, his schooling, his love for music and playing piano, his career within and outside Nigeria, his research in tropical diseases, his laurels, medals, prizes, recognitions, successes of his children and grandchildren. Finally was sharing and given me his autobiography titled - “It Was the Best of Times: From Local to Global Health.” which gives his perspective on the emergence of global health, as a participant on this change. He also did not fail to recount how his first year birthday in 1932 was cancelled due to attack of measles. He was glad to devote a chapter to the pharmaceutical Industry.
When he turned 85, he ensured I attended the regular lecture series in his honour at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife graced by the then Director General of NACA and other great scholars. He ensured I wrote a testimonial on him for a book compilation in His honour by – Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (9th edition) in 2018.
To know who Professor Lucas is to know a celebrity in the area of global health, a distinguished personality and an accomplished individual. He is the definition of a distinguished person
I will miss him and I know his family will miss him most. But we thank God for the fruitful and impactful life he lived which traversed all the regions of the world. He lived well and died on Christmas day – the Day of our Lord.
May God comfort the wife, children, family, colleagues, well-wishers and all who mourn him.
Adieu Professor Adetokunbo Lucas
A tribute to a worthy mentor
January 23, 2021
A worthy mentor of mine has gone to be with the Lord!
My relationship with Grandpa and Grandma dates back to 2009 when I was a beneficiary of the Olufunto Lucas award for the best graduating student in Mathematics at the International School, University of Ibadan, an institution which their late daughter, Olufunto attended.
The prize was a brand new Toshiba Laptop which served me throughout my University days.
Since then, Grandpa and Grandma Lucas have taken so much interest me. Grandpa being a Professor of Medicine and a worthy mentor took it upon himself to monitor my progress when I was admitted to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan. Grandpa always had autographed books to give me as gifts all the times I visited them- including the public health textbook I used while in Medical school and his autobiography, among various journals of Public Health which I still have till date.
I recall with nostalgia the last time Grandpa and Grandma were at my home in Ibadan in 2017. They felt relaxed with us and spent tine talking about various issues. They also left gifts for my parents and siblings.
My solace is that Grandpa lived an excellent life worthy of emulation and that he was well advanced in age before his glorious exit.
I thank God everyday for you and the positive impact you have made in my life. You have taught me to be very humble and altruistic. I am just sad that you didn't get to be at my wedding before you left us.
Rest in perfect peace Grandpa.
Temitayo Adisa