Lateef Jakande: 6 amazing facts about late first civilian governor of Lagos
With enviable political legacies and life well-channelled towards productive governance, Chief Abdul Lateef Kayode Jakande, a former governor of Lagos state, gave up the ghost in what many experts will describe as the end of an era.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The pendulum of death swung over Alhaji Jakande, a widely-respected political icon and mentor on Thursday morning, February 11, at the age of 91.
Governor Olusola Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the death of the late statesman in a post on his Twitter page, describing Jakande's demise as an end to a journey that stopped in the course of service to "humanity."
Gboyega Akosile, Lagos chief press secretary, also said on Twitter:
"We lost the former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ). He died at the age of 91. Baba LKJ would be sorely missed by millions of Lagosians. He would be remembered for all the lofty ideas and projects towards the development of Lagos."
As the political fraternity of Lagos mourns, Legit.ng highlights some of the significant facts about the late public administrator.
Source: Twitter
1. Birth and death
Jakande was born on July 23, 1929, in Epetedo, Lagos, though his parents are from Omu-Aran community in Kwara. He died on Thursday, February 11.
2. Education and academic life
Alhaji Jakande began his study at the Lagos public school at Enu-Owa, Lagos Island. He then proceeded to Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt between 1934 to 1943.
3. Career as veteran journalist
Jakande began his career as a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune owned by the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He was appointed editor-in-chief of the newspaper in 1956. After leaving the Tribune in 1975, Jakande established John West Publications.
4. Life in military politics
Alhaji Jakande was appointed minister of work by the military General Sani Abacha after being charged, prosecuted and convicted of treason in 1983.
He was a senior member of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) when the UNPP and APP merged.
5. Lagos state governor
Jakande contested for election as the executive governor of Lagos state in 1979.
He defeated his opponents, Adeniran Ogunsanya of NPP and Sultan Ladega Adeniji Adele of NPN. He became the first civilian governor of the state.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
6. Legacies
Jakande will be remembered for his housing project. His government constructed over 30,000 housing units.
Some of the housing units include low-cost estates in Amuwo-Odofin, Ijaiye, Dolphin, Oke-Afa, Ije, Abesan, Iponri and others.
The schools and housing units were built cheaply but were of great value. Other projects of Jakande are hospital, markets and a metroline project to facilitate mass transit.
****
Rahaman Abiola is a result-oriented journalist and content writer with a firm grip of over 5-year corporate experience stranding diverse roles in digital & traditional media and social media communication.
A published literary writer, freelancer and public commentator, he has written over 100 essays covering diverse issues on economy, politics and current affairs, entertainment and leadership published in virtually all notable Nigerian national dailies and digital media in Nigeria.
He is a graduate of English Literature, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Source: Legit.ng
