Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday described the late literary icon and foremost industrialist, Rasheed Gbadamosi, as one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos who offered selfless service to the service of the state and the nation.
Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja during a reception in honour of Gbadamosi, said the late economist and industrialist was a true Lagosian who contributed immensely to the development of the state, adding that the government and people of Lagos will forever cherish his contribution to the growth of the state.
He recalled that Gbadamosi served the state at a young age as commissioner for economic planning and ended his service at his old age as co-chairman of the Lagos @50 Celebration Committee.
He said: “I stand here on behalf of all Lagosians to celebrate selflessness. Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi was an illustrious son of Ikorodu; a true son of Lagos; a patriotic Nigerian; an elder statesman; a thoroughbred economist; a lover of arts per excellence; a consummate businessman; and above all a selfless Nigerian.
“He was not just a father but one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos. We, in Lagos State, will forever cherish his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State. He was a fine gentle man; a father; an uncle; and a very lively person. We, in the state government, will miss him so much.”
While also recalling the backlash that trailed Gbadamosi’s appointment into the Lagos @50 committee on health grounds, the governor said he (Gbadamosi) stood his ground and never allowed it to deter him from selflessly serving the state, and urged other members of the committee to make the events to celebrate the State bigger and more successful in his memory.
He assured that because of Gbadamosi’s love for arts, the state government will intensify initiatives to promote arts more than ever, starting with an arts exhibition in January 2017 to bring the old and the young together and create the framework for youth engagement.
In her tribute, President of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nike Akande, said the late Gbadamosi personified the value of hard work, adding that he was an amiable and hardworking industrialist who was always bringing deep intellectual insight into national issues.
Akande also said Gbadamosi had an incredible passion for the progress of Lagos and he was a leading industrialist, lover and supporter of the arts.
On his part, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs said Gbadamosi was passionately committed to standing with the people and was always particular about the welfare of the arts and artists.
Responding on behalf of the family, Gbadamosi’s eldest child, Mrs Morounkunbi Osinoiki, thanked the State Government for organising the tribute in honour of her late father, saying it was well appreciated by the family.
