Just woke up to read the sad news of 'Baba's' passing.
Prof Odia was a legend to many of us physiotherapy students in those days. As a students at Great Ife, I think I heard about Prof. Odia for the first time in my second year!
And, in my final year he was our External Examiner. I was kind of excited when his name came up as our external examiner because I thought that finally, I got to meet this Icon of physiotherapy. But as the final hours approached, I became fearful- what am I going to tell this giant of our profession to impress him???
However, when the hour came for my first contact with this great man, I was mesmerized by his mannerism, his urbaneness, and his easy ways which calmed things down for me a great deal. In that examination cubicle at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, we struck a 'friendship' that would come in handy about two years later.
After my NYSC at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos, Prof. Odia wasted no time at all to offer me employment with his company A-Z Physiotherapy Clinic which had satellite clinics at Lagoon Hospital Apapa, Legus Hospital, Fadeyi, and I think one or two other places. As an employee, Baba was a shrewd businessman, but he was easy to work with- if you could negotiate, you may get what you wanted. Baba, was super connected in social cycles, he was known by the high and mighty in Lagos- lawyers, doctors, politicians, top government officials, judges, captains of industry, name it, Baba was known by this people! If someone asked me so, Tunji where are you working now? The moment I said, Prof Odia's company, the older folks would say "ha, Gabriel?" "Se o nsanwo daadaa fun e"- meaning is he paying you enough? Tehehe!!!
I was with Baba alongside Leo Adewusi, A.K. Adams, Seun Orogun, Michael (last name escapes me now), I am not sure now if Yemisi Coker was one of us then or not?
At A-Z, one got to meet high calibre patients, and it quickly dawned on me that this our profession offers more than meets the eyes!
I was with Baba for about a year before Igbobi "came calling" ( I wish) and offered me an opportunity to of a full time employment.
Professor Odia, was a fantastic teacher, employer, colleague and a GPS aka pathfinder. He was funny, sociable, amiable and business savvy.
Adie, Pa Odia, may your soul rest in peace ,amin.
We love you, but God loves you most.
Sleep tight my teacher, employer, colleague and mentor.
Tunji
8th December 2015