By Chinyere Aruogu
The death, Wednesday, November 16, of former Commissioner for Establishment and Economic Development in Lagos State, Rasheed Gbadamosi, has thrown the government and people of the state into mourning.
The Lagos State government sees the passage as a big blow and quite unexpected according to an official of the government. Also said to be feeling the pains of his death are Gbadamosi’s colleagues in the art world, most of who described his death as shocking.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday, Novemner 17, expressed great shock over the passage of Gbadamosi.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, Ambode said he was truly saddened by the demise of the former Minister for National Planning, describing him as a true Lagosian, who was passionate and always willing to serve his state and fatherland.
Ambode said: “As a foundation member of the first Lagos State Executive Council after the creation of the state in 1967, he contributed immensely towards laying a very solid foundation for what is today the foremost state in the country and the nation’s unarguably Centre of Excellence. He also distinguished himself as a Federal Minister and PPPRA Chairman”.
“Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi was a sound economist, one of the best in his generation. His passion to serve his fatherland was never in doubt, so it was not surprising to me that he graciously accepted to serve as Co-Chairman of our Lagos @ 50 Committee and in the last few months, he was directly involved in the meetings and planning to ensure the success of the celebration.
“He was the youngest commissioner in Lagos State at 27, an industrialist and a very consistent financial expert. He was a proud son of Lagos state who had paid his dues over the decade. A financial guru and a public administrator per excellence, who would never shy away from letting people know that he was a thoroughbred Lagos boy, born in Ikorodu.”
Ambode urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and continued to render meritorious service to the State until his demise.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Chief Gbadamosi on this great and irreparable loss. He paid his dues and Lagosians will always remember him,” Governor Ambode said
Gbadamosi died at 73 on Wednesday evening in his Ikorodu, Lagos home, according to the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Gbadamosi, a businessman, had in the early part of this year suffered stroke and was flown abroad for medical attention. But he had long recovered from the initial complications from the stroke, and made several public appearances in the course of the year.
It was with that understanding that the Lagos State government under Akinwunmi Ambode nominated him as co-chairman of the Lagos at 50 planning committee.
The deceased, a celebrated and cerebral playwright and economist also served Nigeria in other capacities, including as a minister.
His residence in Ikorodu has become a Mecca of sort since his death was announced.