BEVERLY HILLS, February 14, (THEWILL) – Condolences have continued to pour in for late governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who died on Thursday at the age of 91.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its condolence on Friday charged leaders at all levels across the country to emulate the humility, patriotism, selflessness and
life of service exhibited by first civilian governor of Lagos state and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
The party said it was saddened by the death of Alhaji Jakande, whom it described as a quintessential statesman; very prudent administrator and exceptionally self-sacrificing leader, whose life remains a true stencil and source of inspiration for younger generation of leaders.
The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan said Alhaji Jakande’s leadership footprints remain indelible in his unprecedented development of Lagos state, including urban development, transportation, railways, road infrastructure, mass education, healthcare, economic empowerment as well as investment in mass housing infrastructure across Lagos state.
“Indeed, Alhaji Jakande’s exceptional patriotism is demonstrated in his manifest spurn for materialism and sacrificing of his comfort for the benefit of the society. His reputation of using his personal vehicle and house, while serving as a state governor, demonstrates his persuasion that leadership is about serving the people and not for personal aggrandizements”.
Also, the Pan – Yoruba socio – political organisation, Afenifere, in a tribute entitled “Adieu Our LKJ” that was signed 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.
It noted that Jakande’s implementation of the free education programme, especially the phasing out of the shift programme 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”.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council in a statement signed by TUC Lagos Council’s Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan respectively, affirmed that the late elder statesman was the most labour – friendly and amiable governor in Lagos history whose empathy and compassion for workers was unprecedented.
According to the statement, the erstwhile governor was second to none in quality leadership and good governance, noting that the legacies he left would remain evergreen perpetually. “History obviously will be kind and generous to Baba Jakande because he lived a good life. Baba was an epitome of humility, selflessness, sacrifice, and leadership whose achievements will forever stand tall in our hearts.
About the Author
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.