- He deserves a National Honour, Says Osoba
Lagos State government on Tuesday named its 496-flat Igando Garden Estate after the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
Sanwo-Olu (middle); his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke (right), with the celebrant, Jakande
The incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made the announcement at Jakande’s 90th birthday party jointly organised by the state government and the Jakande family at the Havens Event Centre in GRA Ikeja.
Jakande was the governor in the defunct Second Republic between October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983 when the republic was sacked in a military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari.
Contemporary crop of leaders have valuable lessons to be drawn from personal life and leadership qualities of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Sanwo-Olu said while paying glowing tribute to Jakande.
The governor said Jakande’s legacy in leadership and governance remained a reference point in contemporary history, despite leaving government for more than three decades ago.
The event attracted high-profile dignitaries which included the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Lagos State governors Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Lagos Military Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
Describing Jakande’s personal life as “selfless and exemplary”, Sanwo-Olu said the ex-governor’s achievements became the pathway for progressive governance in the country.
L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of the celebrant, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; celebrant and first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke and Minister-Designate, Mr. Babatunde Fashola
He said: “Lagos, under the Baba Jakande, became a pillar of support not only to neighbouring states, but also to faraway states, including Borno State, where he made landmark contribution. This goes to show that the progressive mind of Alhaji Jakande has been with him ever since.
“It’s something that all of us need to copy. I wish today’s leaders could borrow from this example, which shows us how states can collaborate for greater development and opportunities. Alhaji Jakande did it 40 years ago as Governor of Lagos State and scored several firsts.”
Sanwo-Olu said Jakande’s name had become a national symbol synonymous with development and progressive politics. Despite his towering achievements in office, Sanwo-Olu said Jakande’s simple life stood him out as “fine politician and selfless leader”.
He said: “Jakande is a national name that is synonymous with development, either in provision of potable water, quality education and housing.”
Tinubu described Jakande as a “foremost progressive in Africa”, saying his loyalty to the cause of progressive politics and his leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, earned him “unmatched respect”.
Wife of the celebrant, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; celebrant and first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi
Tinubu said: “Papa Jakande had many firsts at a time it was extremely difficult to govern. One of the key qualities of Alhaji Jakande is his unshakable, non-negotiable loyalty to his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
“Ideologically, Alhaji Jakande has never departed from the progressive path. One record we must accept here, which is the best gift to Alhaji Jakande is that, progressive governance has never failed in Lagos,” Tinubu further said.
Osinbajo thanked God for sparing Jakande’s life.
Chairman of the occasion, Osoba, declared Jakande as an accomplished Nigerian by all standards, saying he was already a global brand as a journalist and editor before he delved into public service.
“Our celebrant does not have a deserved national honour when people of lesser contributions strut around the country with national honours. It is my recommendation that Baba Jakande be decorated with nothing lesser than the Commander of the Federal Republic,” Osoba said.
