Statement of condolence on the loss of Kodjo Glato, a fine young agricultural scientist from Togo

Kodjo Glato was one of 157 passengers and crew
who tragically perished in the crash
of flight ET302 on 10 March 2019

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) expresses its profound sympathy to all those who were bereaved when their family members, friends or colleagues tragically lost their lives in the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday, 10 March 2019.

At ILRI we will miss in particular our colleague Dr Kodjo Glato.

A Togolese national, Dr Glato was an assistant professor and researcher at the University of Lomé, Togo, a partner institution of ILRI’s. He was on his way to Nairobi to attend a Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA)-ILRI Hub training course that is part of the Community Network for African Vector-Borne Plant Viruses (CONNECTED).

Dr Glato was a biotechnologist and plant physiologist working on agricultural genetic diversity and smallholder farming practices associated with sweetpotato cultivation. He received his PhD in 2015 from the University of Lomé.

Staff and partners at the BecA-ILRI Hub knew him as a hardworking, affable and dedicated young professional. He was part of a new generation of scientists contributing to Togo’s agricultural development.

Kodjo Glato inspired many with his drive and tenacity. He was known to take on challenges with monumental zeal. His passion for the smallholder farmer will be badly missed. May he rest in peace.
—Jacob Mignouna, director of the BecA-ILRI Hub

It is always sad to lose a colleague suddenly. But to lose a colleague at the very start of his career, with so much left to contribute, is a tragedy.
—Jimmy Smith, director general of ILRI

‘On behalf of ILRI’, Jimmy Smith said, ‘we extend our deepest condolences to Kodjo Glato’s family, friends and colleagues as well as to all those who lost colleagues, friends and loved ones on flight ET302.’