A group of eminent Lagosians under the aegis of Omo Eko Pataki, to which the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; former Minister of Communications, Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju; and others belong, have mourned the demise of one of the prominent Lagosians, Bode Agusto, describing his death as painful and a great loss to Lagos State and the nation at large.
The group, Omo Eko Pataki, said this in a statement jointly signed by Chief George, Gen. Olanrewaju, and Gbadebo Dallas, saying that it received with shock the news of the death of the foremost economist, chartered accountant, philanthropist, businessman, and Lagosian, Bode Agusto.
According to the statement, the news of the death of Agusto was particularly painful because he was just in his late 60s and yet to reach the age of 70, adding, “But who are we to question God Almighty?”
George, Olanrewaju, Dallas, and others described the late foremost economist and chartered accountant as a man of good character to the core, “in content, character, and professional calling.”
“He was a gift to us in Lagos, especially Lagos Island and the Muslim community,” they said.
The group of eminent Lagosians recalled that Agusto, in his sojourn on earth, showed the trait of a nobleman with a good character and further recalled that the patriarch of his family, Chief Imam Lawal Basil Agusto, was a renowned lawyer and a Queen’s Counsel (QC), saying that his contributions to Islamic growth, the establishment of Muslim schools, and peaceful coexistence with Christians in Nigeria were unparalleled.
“Bode Agusto was a foremost economist and founder of Nigeria’s first credit rating agency, Agusto & Co. We remember that he established it in South Africa, and his professional impact was felt throughout Africa and beyond.
“He came from a good family and also related well to many noble families. In fact, one of his aunts was married to Prof. Biobaku.
“Bode Agusto was brilliant, gifted, and a gem, both nationally and internationally. He was an economic giant. We recall he also adopted Portugal as his home country, where his wife and children live,” the group said.
Speaking further, the group, Omo Eko Pataki, equally recalled that the late Agusto established his firm in 1992 and played a crucial role in introducing credit rating services in Nigeria registered and licenced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making it Nigeria’s very first credit rating agency, saying sadly that the much sought-after consultant to various world economic bodies would be missed in the business world.
“As a much sought-after consultant to various world economic bodies, he will be missed in the business world.
He established his firm in 1992 and played a crucial role in introducing credit rating services in Nigeria.
“The company was licenced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making it Nigeria’s very first credit rating agency.
He also led the company as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer for more than 10 years before retiring to oversee affairs from the background,” the statement said.
“We remember when Chief Olabode George was PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Agusto was always part of the party’s entourage to campaigns.
“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo really liked him during the campaigns for his brilliance and expression of thoughts.
“He was at home with everybody, as he would explain the PDP’s policies in clear Yoruba language to market women, artisans, and others.
“His death is painful. He was also appointed head of the Lagos Economic Advisory Committee, a director of the National Pension Commission, and a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Committee.
“In 2003, former President Obasanjo awarded him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the Nigerian economy,” it added.
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