Bode Agusto, Nigeria’s pioneer director of budget and national planning, has been laid to rest amidst tears in Portugal.
It would be recalled that Agusto died on October 19 in the European country at the age of 68 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
A friend of the deceased and former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika confirmed via Instagram that Agusto was buried on Tuesday.
She wrote, “Today, we laid to rest an amazing father, a dedicated husband, a loyal brother and friend, an astute professional of the highest caliber. A man of his word and consistent in his integrity through all seasons. An encourager of so many.
“Thank you for who you were, thank you for your support and encouragement through the years. You will definitely be missed. May your legacy through the institutions you founded, and the many lives you impacted continue to speak for you through generations.”
The family also confirmed in a statement that he would be buried in Portugal.
The statement reads, “With deep regret and heavy hearts, but with total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing on to glory of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and beloved friend, Mubasheer Olabode Agusto. He was 68 years old.
“He passed on in the Algarve, Portugal in the early hours of today, Thursday 19 October 2023, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.
“He will be interred in Portugal according to Islamic rites. We will hold prayers and a memorial service in Lagos, Nigeria, in due course.
“We thank all well-wishers for their calls and messages. We truly appreciate your love and support. We will communicate details of all funeral rites in the coming days.”