Olije, my beloved and dear friend
Writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do
You have been a huge part of my life and I can’t imagine not having you
Through thick and thin, you’ve shared all my milestones
The special memories of you will always make me smile
I wish it was possible to have you back, even for a little while
The fact that you’re not here will always cause me pain
But you’re firmly entrenched in my heart until we meet again

It is with a deep sense of sadness and shock i learnt about Olije’s sudden and untimely death.

She was a very brilliant and hardworking public health professional, who was very committed to improving Nigeria’s health system by addressing policy issues around health equity and sustainable healthcare financing, particularly the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF)

Olije and I got introduced by our mutual academic advisor and her PhD supervisor at the LSE, Dr Lucy Kanya.

We had a very interesting chat about her research and burning desire to strengthen the fragile health system in our dear country - Nigeria.

I instantly connected with her deep passion and commitment to social justice and equality.

My thoughts and prayers is with her husband, family and friends, I pray for God to grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

It's been difficult to accept that Olije is no longer with us. She was a truly inspiring and kind individual who's energy was so infectious. She was like an older sister to me, always caring and guiding me throughout our time together in London and after. I feel fortunate to have met Olije and spend precious moments together. Olije's passing is not only a loss for those that knew her, but also the loss of a great, inspiring leader for the global health community. My sincere condolences to her husband, families and loved ones. Rest in peace, my friend <3

Olije, thank you for being an amazing friend for all of us. I am extremely saddened that you had to go too early. It was a short time we spent together but I though we would have many many chances to meet up and run into each other in future as we have been working in the same field. I will remember what you left us - please watch over us from the heaven until we meet together there. Rest in peace.

It is difficult to put into words what I am feeling about your sudden disappearance. I had just gotten to know you, and already I felt connected to you. Such is the impact you had on the people you met.

I appreciated how you shared your life with me in the candid conversations we had. There was so much still to discuss and experience together, and I was really looking forward to finally meet and hug you in person.

Your passion was infectious, your kindness was radiant, and both were reflected in your vocation to help others. The way you talked about your work and the ambition you had for your work reflected such brightness and intellect. There will be a feeling of emptiness in the programme left by your absence.

You will be so missed, Olije. I wish we could have had more time.

I want to extend my condolences to Olije's friends and family. I am sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you.

It was with great sadness that we heard of Olije's sudden passing. She was committed to her Masters degree friends and colleagues in her role as a student representative, and it was always a pleasure to engage with her during her studies. I was so pleased when she was accepted for a PhD position in our department as well. My sympathies go out to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Olije, it’s so sad to know you’re not here anymore, but we will always remember you. I will always cherish the time we spent together during the Master’s, from sharing classes to Chevening events, and even that time at your place with Lusi and Jorge where we were sharing typical songs from our countries. I’ll be thinking of you and your family ❤️

Like everyone in our programme and beyond, I liked and admired Olije very much. She was someone who you wanted to befriend and to hear laugh.
Olije was an exceptional person and I hope her family knows that so many at our schools grieve this loss.

Olije was a beautiful human, inside and out, who had so much to offer the world. And on top of that, she brought a lot of personality and happiness to her relationships. I'm sad I didn't get to spend more time with her but grateful for the chances I had. She will be missed.

We will always remember Olije's charm, energy and how she always cared for all of us. We will miss her forever and she has left a void in our memories and hearts. A great friend...