Jakande Served Lagos Without Greed, Says Afenifere,

By Marlikberry,

The Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, the Afenifere, has mourned the former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who died yesterday at the age of 91 as a leader who served the Centre of Excellence from 1979 to 1983 without greed.

The Afenifere, in a tribute entitled “Adieu Our LKJ” that was signed yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, described Jakande as the last of the LOOBO governors who faithfully implemented the Unity Party of Nigeria’s (UPN) five cardinal programmes in the second republic.

The socio-cultural organisation noted that Jakande’s implementation of the free education program, especially the phasing out of the shift program in Lagos schools, was swift and revolutionary.

The group further stated that “he served Lagos without greed and covetousness; he never lived in Government House or drive a government car throughout his service to the state.

Jakande developed the Lekki area and never took a plot for himself. His life was all about service. We pray that God will send more of his type our way. Good night.”

Jakande Stood for Progressive Ideals, Says Fayemi

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed his condolences on the death of the first elected Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who passed on yesterday, aged 91.

Fayemi, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described Jakande as a selfless leader, statesman and a role model who utilised public service effectively for the development of the people.

He described Jakande as a leader with uncommon accomplishments, one of the founding fathers of progressive politics in Nigeria and a committed Awoist who elevated service to the people above other consideration.

The governor described Jakande’s death as an irreparable loss to Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, adding that the late statesman spent his life as a committed and diligent public servant and a leader who loved his people dearly.

He said the late elder statesman had immortalised himself in the hearts of the people through numerous impactful programmes and projects he executed while in office.

Fayemi noted that the deceased made his mark in the media as a reporter, editor, publisher and administrator, before venturing into politics where he excelled as an “Action Governor” and left behind an unblemished record.

Jakande was Best Gov in his Generation, Says Abiodun

The Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, yesterday described the passage of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as a colossal loss to Nigeria and the journalism practice, globally.

Abiodun also described him as the best governor in his generation.

Jakande, died yesterday, aged 91, in Lagos.

He eulogised Papa Jakande as a statesman of statesmen who “was not just a great disciple of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He carried the Awoist traits everywhere he went.”

Abiodun said that Lagos has lost a visionary leader and also noted that “the Awoists’ family has lost a great inheritor and practitioner of the great legacy” and that Nigeria’s progressive politics had been weaned of a model.

A condolence message released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, described the deceased elder statesman as a profound protégé of Papa Awo, an excellent welfarist, a democrat and diplomat of the finest pedigree “who was not found wanting in character and disposition throughout his professional and political career.

There is no way good governance will be mentioned in Nigeria without a reference to the cerebral journalist and administrator, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande. may the soul of our beloved one rest in pace we pray Ameen