Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has mourned the death of the pioneer Executive Director of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Prof. Adebayo Adedeji.

The governor, who described the death of the former undersecretary general of the United Nations, as a sad loss, said he will be remembered as a foremost economist, champion of regional integration and distinguished public servant.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, Amosun said the late Adedeji was an illustrious son of Ogun State, who excelled in all his assignments at home and abroad.

“His roles in ECOWAS as well as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which later became the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), were demonstrations of his zeal for the advancement of Africa.

“He also did not also relent in his determination to ensure the growth of his home town, Ijebu Ode, through his remarkable contribution as the director of the African Centre for Development and Strategic Studies, a think-tank NGO based in the community,” the governor added.

Amosun prayed for the repose of his soul, urging his family to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.