TheCable

Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos, has described the late Olabode Agusto, as a selfless financial maestro and an outstanding technocrat.

On Thursday,  Agusto passed away at the age of 68. The cause of his death is yet to be made public by his family.

Agusto was the founder of Nigeria’s first credit rating agency.

He also served as director-general and adviser to (budget matters) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his second term in office.

Reacting to the passing of the late prolific accountant on Friday, Ambode said Agusto was “deeply and unrepentantly committed to our nation’s economic development will forever be etched in the annals of our history”.

He said the late financial guru chaired the 12-man economic advisory committee he set up during his term as governor without demanding any compensation for his job.

Ambode commiserated with his family and loved ones, adding that his memory should be preserved and continued through the legacy of service, dedication, and excellence he left behind.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bode Agusto, an outstanding accountant, banker, mentor and a true icon of Lagos state,” he said. 

“Bode Agusto was not only a financial maestro but also a dedicated public servant, who contributed significantly to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria. 

“His contributions to the fields of accounting, finance and economics were quite remarkable and he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s economic policies.

“His track record in the private sector and public service earned him the national award of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). 

“Lagos state and Nigeria have lost a true luminary and trailblazer.

“As we mourn his exit, I extend my deepest condolences to the governor of Lagos state, his family, loved ones, professional colleagues and the entire people of Lagos state. 

“Let us honor his memory by continuing his legacy of service, dedication and excellence.”