President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that former Governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Jakande, lived for the good of others, state and country, and his legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), reads:
“The President, while condoling with family, friends and associates of the elder statesman, affirms that his imprint on the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State, which was the former National capital, will continue to awe and inspire, reminding everyone of the strength of character and sacrifices of the visionary leader.
President Buhari notes contributions of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country, describing him as a patriot, whose wisdom will run through generations, especially in putting people first in development plans.
The President joins government and people of Lagos State, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Nigerian Guild of Editors, in mourning the veteran journalist, praying that the almighty God will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest”.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his tribute, said:
“It is with a mixed feeling of soberness and joy that I join relatives and admirers to mourn the demise of the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
I am sober because Alhaji Jakande until his passing today remained one of the last icons of our nationhood and in whose life are enormous examples that we can get inspiration from in the much-needed drive in rebuilding our psyche as a people.
In the same breath, I am happy that the late Jakande lived a remarkable life by his enigmatic stature as a journalist, an administrator and a politician.
His legacies in Lagos State, where he was the first civilian governor, remains emblematic of good governance and infrastructure development, not just in Lagos State but in the whole of the country.
His works in promoting qualitative public education and welfare in public service will continue to stand for him as a glowing tribute of the life of service that he lived.
I also join the government and good people of Lagos State to mourn the illustrious individual whose good name shall remain written in gold in our heart.
I pray that the Almighty Allah accepts his soul and grant him Aljanah Firdaus”.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, says Nigeria has lost one of its exemplary political leaders and administrators with the death of Second Republic Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Lawan in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi said Jakande lived a long and inspirational life that found fulfilment in the service of humanity.
According to Lawan, Jakande made sterling contributions to the development of journalism in Nigeria before replicating his indelible footprints on the political and economic developments of the nation with landmark achievements as the first elected governor of Lagos State.
“His feats and carriage as governor made Alhaji Lateef Jakande a permanent face of progressive politics which primary concern is the welfare and well-being of the people.
“Throughout his tenure as governor, he faithfully implemented the four cardinal programmes of his party, the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
“His numerous legacies continue to be appreciated, particularly in the education, health and housing sectors of Lagos State”.
“Alhaj Jakande took his Midas touch to the federal level when he served briefly as the Minister of Works where he left his marks especially on the landscape of Abuja,” Lawan said.
Lawan commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the legend over his departure.
He also sent his condolences to the people of Lagos State, the Newspapers Properties Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the transition of the titan.
He prayed Allah to forgive his sins and accept his soul into Aljannat Firdaus.
Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Jakande, who died on Thursday at 91, as the last of the political titans.
According to Asiwaju, Papa Jakande “could appropriately be described as the last of the titans ranking with the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Olabiyi Onabanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others.“
He said the late Jakande was also a “mature statesman never given to histrionics or fanning the embers of disunity,” adding that “at difficult moments in the nation’s history, such as the struggle against military dictatorship, he took personal painful decisions that cost him a lot, but his integrity was never impugned.”
Tinubu stated this in a condolence statement on the passing of the former journalist, administrator and politician, Alhaji Jakande, which he personally signed.
Titled “We Celebrate, Not Mourn Jakande,” Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Today, we lost a great soul. Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande exemplified the best of Lagos and of Nigeria. He could appropriately be described as the last of the titans ranking with the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Olabiyi Onabanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others.
“Showing his extraordinary natural ability, Pa Jakande was largely self-educated, yet he rose to become a man of great knowledge and a preeminent figure in Nigerian journalism who stood as one of the most incisive and brilliant editorialists of his generation. He practiced journalism with the most audacious courage in defence of freedom, liberty and equity even in the thick of vicious military dictatorship.
“As accomplished he was as a journalist, Pa Jakande shone even more brightly as a governor and true leader of Lagos State. Whatever we have been able to accomplish in Lagos State is because of the groundwork Pa Jakande set out before us. In so many ways, he is the inspirational father of modern Lagos State.
“In housing, education, health care, and road construction, he left an indelible imprint. Thousands of Lagosian families still reside in the several housing estates he constructed across the state. Thousands of beneficiaries of his free education scheme are accomplished professionals and successful individuals in diverse fields today. The Jakande administration conceptualized and actualized the Lagos-Badagry Expressway that opened that whole sector of the state for development.
“His administration conceived the Round Office from which I operated for eight years as governor but he did not occupy the structure even for one day. This was characteristic of him for Papa toiled and worked not for his personal benefit but for the future and the good of others.
“Incidentally, my administration conceived the new Lagos State Governor’s Office, which I never occupied for one day! In this and in most other things, I tried to walk in the spirit of Jakande!
The late elder statesman was a fount of invaluable advice and support throughout my tenure as governor.
“He was a mature statesman never given to histrionics or fanning the embers of disunity. At difficult moments in the nation’s history, such as the struggle against military dictatorship, he took personal painful decisions that cost him a lot but his integrity was never impugned.
“My last memory of him was at his 90th birthday last year when we gathered to celebrate him. The great man sat there, silent, bowed, humble, unaffected – a model lesson of servant leadership.
“I, as well as all Lagosians, and Nigerians will miss him in ways that words cannot fully express for he was a true original. He was one of a kind. Yet he would admonish us not to mourn him but to celebrate his life by carrying on in the spirit of compassion to build a more progressive and just society.
“Of course, we will shed tears and feel saddened by the passing of this great man. Yet we must also thank God that we had the honour to have known him and to have learned so much from him. Now we must honour him by emulating the kindness and social vision that made him so special.
“My thoughts at this moment are with Papa’s pillar of support, Alhaja Jakande, and the children, including my former Personal Assistant, Hon. Deji Jakande, and all others left behind by Alhaji Jakande. May Almighty Allah comfort them all.
“We celebrate Papa’s life and his legacy and we must do our best to continue to build on them. May Almighty Allah grant Baba Jakande Aljanna Firdaus. Amin.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Jakande.
Jakande, a renowned journalist and elder statesman, who governed Lagos State during the aborted Second Republic between 1979 and 1983, died on Thursday at the age of 91.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday said the late Jakande will remain one of the best public office holders in the political history of Nigeria based on how he transformed Lagos State and Nigeria during his tenure as Honourable Minister of Works.
The Governor said Jakande popularly referred to as ‘Baba Kekere’ brought a lot of development to Lagos State as governor between October 1,1979 and December 31, 1983 in line with the five cardinal programmes of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), founded by the late sage and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The Governor also described the former Minister of Works as an epitome of honesty, dedication and selflessness, who used his elevated positions for the betterment of the people he served.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the late Alhaji Jakande is one of the few Lagosians and Nigerian leaders that demystified politics by bringing governance closer to the people.
He said Jakande left with impeccable records in Lagos State and that is why he remains till date, a reference point for governors in Lagos and other parts of the country.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande as well as members of the progressive community.
“No doubt, the death of Alhaji Jakande is a colossal loss to Lagos State and Nigeria. He made lots of positive impact and contribution during his lifetime to the growth of our dear state by introducing housing and educational programmes that targeted the poor, building new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools and providing free education for all.”
“Baba Jakande within his four years in office established the Lagos State University. His government constructed over 30,000 housing units,which were of great value to the masses.
“Having distinguished himself as ‘Action Governor’, Alhaji Jakande was appointed Minister of Works in 1993 where he replicated his developmental programmes, by building thousands of housing units in different parts of Nigeria as Federal Low Cost Housing Estates.
The Governor added that the late Jakande’s selling point is not only in politics but journalism, his chosen profession.
“Alhaji Jakande also made remarkable contributions to the media industry as a respected journalist and media manager. He used the power of the press to influence positive changes in the country’s social and political landscape.”
The Governor reminded Lagosians that the best way to immortalise ‘LKJ’ as late Alhaji Jakande is popularly known, is to ensure that good governance the deceased advocated spreads to every facet of the Nigerian society.
Also, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, in Benin, mourned the passing of Jakande.
Obaseki, in a statement, said the former governor was a high flyer who contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State and built durable legacies that would outlive him.
The governor commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State over the incident.
“A veteran journalist, he was a high flyer in public service, birthing landmark reforms and projects to better the lives of the people.
“Jakande built durable legacies he will be remembered for his giant strides in governance and development of the country, Obaseki said.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, expressed his condolences on the death of Jakande.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Jakande as a selfless leader, statesman and a role model who utilised public service effectively for the development of the people.
Fayemi 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, who described Jakande’s death as an irreparable loss to Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, said 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.
While noting that the deceased made his mark in the media before venturing into politics, Fayemi said the ” Action Governor” excelled as a reporter, editor, Publisher and administrator, adding that his public service record was untainted.
According to him, the late statesman used his profession as a journalist to fight colonialism to a standstill paving the way for the independence achieved on 1st October, 1960.
The Governor said the urge to serve the people motivated the deceased to join partisan politics as a member of the Action Group (AG) and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the platforms on which he was elected as the first civilian Governor of Lagos State in 1979.
Fayemi said Alhaji Jakande laid a solid foundation for the development of Lagos State, adding that his legacies include the Lagos State University (LASU), Radio Lagos, Lagos Television, Housing Estates, Industrial Estates and many road networks.
“Baba was humility and simplicity personified, a pacesetter, torchbearer, trailblazer and a servant leader who served Lagos State and Nigeria to the best of his ability.
“We are not mourning. We are celebrating a life well spent in the service of humanity. Our consolation and that of the children and entire family is that baba lived well and earned a good name. He will continue to live in the hearts of the people. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he added.
Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, has commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State over the death of Jakande.
Kalu, in a condolence message in Abuja, said that Jakande was a selfless, patriotic and outstanding leader, whose ideology anchored on genuine leadership and good governance.
While lamenting the passing of the prominent politician, the former Abia State Governor urged the political class to emulate the outstanding leadership attributes of Jakande.
Kalu pointed out that the former governor laid a solid foundation for Lagos, adding that his legacy projects will remain alive in the minds of the people.
“The demise of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is a huge loss to the country.
“The late statesman was a genuine and committed leader, who was passionate about the welfare of the people and the development of Lagos state.
“His contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria are remarkable and historic.
“The deceased sustained his goodwill till he departed this sinful world.
“His good deeds will continue to speak for him,’’ Kalu said.
Kalu prayed Allah to grant Alhaji Jakande Al-Jannah Firdaus and extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, Alhaja Sikirat Jakande, friends and political associates of the renowned politician.
Former Minister of Transportation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, described the news of the passing of Jakande as devastating.
Babatope said on Thursday that he was devastated by the demise of the former governor.
He described Jakande as a great man and a phenomenon, who remarkably acquitted himself well in the service of the people.
Babatope said that the performance of Jakande both as governor of Lagos State and Minister of Housing was a reference point in accountability and good governance.
“It is so unfortunate that we have lost a great man in Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He was a political leader who did exceptionally well both as governor of Lagos State and Minister of Housing.
“He was a principled man and a lover of the people .The news of his demise is devastating, but the consolation is that he spent most of his life impacting on the lives of the people,” he said.
Babatope, who was the spokesman of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), said Jakande did well to implement the manifesto of the party under which platform he was elected Lagos governor from 1979-1983.
He said Jakande was loyal to the party and its founder, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, hence his nickname, “Baba Kerere”, which literally means younger Awolowo.
Babatope said Jakande never departed from the ideas and ideologies of UPN and Awolowo.
He said his involvement and that of Jakande in the government of late military leader, Gen.Sani Abacha, was in the interest of the people.
“The involvement of late Jakande and I in the government of late Sani Abacha as ministers is justifiable, no matter what anybody can say.
“We did not not betray the people by serving in that government as we were there for the interest of the people.
“Jakande did well as Minister of Housing and I did well too as a member of the cabinet.
“The narrative that we betrayed the people by serving in Abacha’s government is wrong; we did our best in the service of the people,” he said.
While saying Jakande would be sorely missed, he prayed that God should grant his soul peaceful repose and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sent heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Lagos State over the death of Jakande.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, also commiserated with the entire Jakande family, friends and all those who mourn the late elder stateman and administrator.
He said Jakande was a professional and respected journalist, progressive politician, distinguished public servant and an outstanding leader, who demonstrated strong concern and commitment to the welfare of the people he served.
Oyetola noted that when he served as governor of Lagos between 1979 and 1983, Jakande brought significant development to the State and left remarkable legacies that made him a reference point for politicians, not only in Lagos but across the country.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of the State of Osun, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, government and people of Lagos State over the death of the first civilian governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
“I also commiserate with the family of Baba Jakande, his friends, associates and all those who mourn the demise of the elder statesman and administrator of note.
“When he served as governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, Baba Jakande brought significant development to the State and left remarkable legacies that made him
a reference point for politicians, not only in Lagos but across the country.
“With his focus and people-centric leadership, Baba earned the trust and respect of the people of Lagos and Nigerians from diverse political, social and religious leanings. He will be long remembered for his legacies and impacts.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will forgive his shortcomings, grant him a place in Aljanah Firdaus and grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear his demise.”
Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, has expressed grief over the death of Jakande.
Osoba, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, condoled with the immediate and political families as well as the Lagos State Government over the death.
According to him, an “Iroko tree as well as an elephant has fallen.”
He described Jakande as an astute politician who left giant footprints wherever he had the opportunity to serve at state and federal levels.
“As governor of Lagos State, he ran a daily “political clinic” where citizens consulted him on issues
“In Yoruba parlance-Iroko tree as well as an elephant has fallen,” he said.
According to him, Jakande will be remembered in history as a personification of the best in journalism and a political colossus.
“He single-handedly founded both the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
“He was the first black African Chairman of the International Press Institute made up of publishers and editors all over the world.
“He was a foundation member of both the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Guild of Editors,” he said.
He prayed that God would grant the late elder statesman eternal rest and also the family and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the loss.
Immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed deep shock over the demise of Jakande.
“The news of the demise of Baba Jakande came to me as a rude shock. He was ripe at age, but we had hoped he would live to celebrate a centenary. He further stressed that his life symbolised humility, uprightness and honesty. He was an exemplary leader, a perfect gentleman and a man of integrity and character. Lagos will forever be grateful to him for his unparalled service.
“When I was in office I always looked forward to his fatherly advice and encouragement. Apart from that was his visible presence at state events, even with his health condition never deterred him from giving his support. This shows how he lived a very humbled and upright life throughout his sojourn here on earth”.
He also sympathized with the entire family of Jakande and especially his wife, Alhaja Abimbola, whom he said had stood solidly by Baba throughout the period of his later years.
“This is a big loss to Lagosians and Nigerians in general. But we take solace in the fact that he left huge footprints that will remain indelible in the minds of progressive Lagosians,” the former governor said.
NPAN, in a statement by the President, Kabiru A. Yussuf and General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said: “It was with great shock that we learnt of the passage today, Thursday, February 11, 2021, of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State. He was 91.
Alhaji Jakande, journalist, publisher and politician, was the pioneer President of our esteemed Association, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), from where he was loaned to politics in 1979.
Between 1969 and 1979, Alhaji Jakande midwifed the Association from infancy and it is to his eternal glory that the NPAN became the octopus that it is today.
Austere, selfless, people oriented, Alhaji Jakande transferred these core values from newspapering / newsroom into politics and acquitted himself.
He became a reference point for performance not just in Lagos State which he served as a governor but across the country. He was also Minister of Works under the Abacha administration
It is on record that Alhaji Jakande throughout his tenure, lived in his personal house in Ilupeju area of Lagos and also used his personal car, apart from other landmark projects consummated by his administration.
While we commiserate with members of the pen fraternity, his immediate and political families as well as the Lagos State Goverment, on this irreparable loss, we could not but ask our today’s politicians to learn from the life and politics of Alhaji Jakande and emulate his modesty, selflessness and passion for the people
The nation has lost a great patriot , advocate of good governance and democracy”.
The management of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo described the death of Jakande as a great loss to the institution.
Mr Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, LASU, in a statement in Lagos on Thursday said that Jakande was a sound and prudent leader.
LASU was founded in 1983 during the administration of Jakande.
“The fact that the university has survived many storms to stand strong among the comity of universities today tells of the sure and solid foundation upon which Jakande founded the institution.
“Like LASU, that his inimitable legacies are scattered across the state, almost 38 years after he left office as governor are proofs of his sound and prudent leadership during a period of limited resources.
“His tremendous achievements as governor of Lagos have often overshadowed his exploits as a journalist in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
“Jakande undoubtedly remains one of the fathers of the Nigerian press, as his records in the Nigerian Tribune newspaper and other media houses, where he had served, suggest,” he said.
Adekoya quoted the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oyedamola Oke, as noting that the former governor had left a huge gap that would be difficult to fill.
“Our condolences to his family, the Lagos government, led by Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the entire state and the entire nation,” he said.
