The First Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is dead.
In a telephone chat with one of our correspondents, one of his sons, Deji, confirmed that the former governor died on Thursday morning.
A former journalist, Jakande governed Lagos from 1979 to 1983, and was Minister of Works under the Sani Abacha military regime (1993–98).
Jakande popularly called “Baba Kekere” left many indelible footprints as Governor of the state, especially in the area of infrastructure development. focusing largely on the provision of low cost houses for the people.
Several low cost estates were named after him as his government constructed over 30,000 housing units.
within his four years in office, the former Governor, who celebrated his 91st birthday on June 23rd, 2020, established the Lagos State University.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who celebrated him at the time described Alhaji Jakande, as an elder statesman worth celebrating for his life of consistent commitment to public service.
The Governor said Alhaji 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.
He also described the former Minister of Works as epitome of honesty, dedication and service, who used his elevated positions for the betterment of the people he served, especially during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu said Alhaji Jakande was one of the few Lagosians and Nigerian leaders who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the State and the entire country by delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
