Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday expressed shock over the passage of foremost industrialist and economist, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi.

Gbadamosi, who was a Co-chairman of the Lagos @ 50 Committee, died on Wednesday at the age of 72.

Ambode said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, that he was truly saddened by the demise of the former Minister for National Planning.

The statement said he described the late Gbadamosi as a true Lagosian, who was passionate and always willing to serve his state and fatherland.

“As a foundation member of the first Lagos State Executive Council after the state’s creation in 1967, he contributed immensely towards laying a solid foundation for what is today the foremost state in the country and the nation’s Centre of Excellence.

“He also distinguished himself as a Federal Minister and the Chairman, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

“Chief Gbadamosi was a sound economist, one of the best in his generation. His passion to serve his fatherland was never in doubt,’’ it said.

“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.’’

The statement said Ambode, while commiserating with the family of the late economist, urged them 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 Lagos residents will always remember him,’’ it quoted Ambode as saying