From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano/Bolaji Ogundele,Abuja

A frontline economist, Professor Ibrahim Alkali Ayagi is dead.

Aged 80, he died on Saturday in Kano.

He had been ill for some time.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday paid tribute to the deceased.

Buhari said Ayagi would be remembered for his role in sorting out Nigeria’s foreign debts.

The President also urged sympathisers and mourners to be careful to observe the social distancing measure as they mourn the passage of Ayagi, both in his Kano home state and elsewhere.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari described Ayagi as an accomplished economist, banker and administrator who made outstanding contributions to the development of education in northern Nigeria, promotion of entrepreneurship and small businesses.

He said: “As former Chairman of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), President Buhari believes that the late Ayagi will be long remembered and honoured for his diligent and professional roles in tackling Nigeria’s crippling foreign debt.

Read Also: Legal icon, Akinjide dies at 88

“President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Prof Ayagi’s family, the government and people of Kano and his many friends, students and admirers.

“He prays that God will grant Prof Ayagi’s soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn.

“In the wake of the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the President also appeals to the multitude of mourners and sympathizers, particularly in home state of the deceased, to maintain social distancing, stay-at-home and observe all precautionary measures to curtail the transmission of the virus.”

Prof Ayagi came into national limelight in the 80s when he resigned his as Managing Director of Continental Merchant Bank citing “irreconcilable difference” with the government of Gen Ibrahim Babangida. He was one time commissioner for economic development in Kano and had held many national and international appointments.