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The passage of Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande, governor of Lagos State (1979-1983), media administrator, serial founder and nurturer of professional journalism associations, draws a curtain on an era, not only in Nigerian politics, but, indeed, her journalism. Chief Jakande was the last of the five governors elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria during Nigeria’s second republic; the other four Ambrose Alli, Victor Onabanjo, Adekunle Ajasin, and Bola Ige worthy compatriots of many decades having predeceased him.
As governor, Jakande exhibited the single-minded pursuit of goals like his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He deservedly received much plaudits for his execution of the UPN’s four-cardinal programmes of free education, free health, full employment, and integrated rural development. He was also not spared critics’ censure for his educational programme, which, whilst pandering to populist acclaim, also damaged some established schools. Our focus on hi
It is, therefore, less surprising that Nigerians across all divides came out to mourn his death.
In his condolence message, President Muhammadu Buhari said Jakande lived for the good of others, state and country. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said Jakande’s legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered. While condoling with family, friends and associates of the late elder statesman, Buhari said his imprint on the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State, would continue to awe and inspire the nation, reminding everyone of the strength of character and sacrifices of the visionary leader.
NUJ mourns demise of ex-governor of Lagos, Lateef Jakande
On
By David Royal
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter, on Thursday mourned the demise of Lagos state’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
Jakande who died at the age of 91 according to the Union was “an erudite journalist, publisher, administrator par excellence and a political giant”.
A press statement jointly signed by NUJ Lagos Chapter’s Chairman (Adeleye Ajayi) and Secretary (Tunde Olalere), noted some of his achievement thus; “he recorded massive infrastructure development during his tenure, especially in the areas of housing and education (building of schools)”.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has described the late Second Republic governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, as a political titan.
In a tribute yesterday entitled “Fare Thee Well, LKJ”, the former Federal Commissioner for Information stated that Jakande succeeded in carving a pristine niche for himself, on the Nigerian social and political landscapes.
He described Jakande as a notable journalist, who rose to the Position of Editor of the Tribune Group of Newspapers, in its glorious days.
According to him, “in politics, he held the Lagos Constituency for his Leader and Party, in a vice-like grip, before emerging as the First Civilian, and only Second Republic Governor of Lagos State, in 1979, re-elected in 1983.
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• Ex-gov for burial today, say, family, friends
Nigerians, yesterday, expressed sorrow and paid glowing tributes as Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, died at the age of 91. x
His remains, according to his family, will be buried today.
His third son, Seyi, said he died in his sleep on Thursday, around 11 a.m., in his Ilupeju home.
Committee of Friends of the late ex-governor also confirmed the passing in a statement, which released details of the burial plan.
The statement was signed by Prof. Abisogun Leigh, former vice-chancellor LASU; Mr. Kamal Giwa; Prince Bayo Oshiyemi, Alhaji Gani Owolabi Dada; Mrs. Omolara Abeke Vaugh; and Alhaja Latifat Olufunke Gbajabiamila.