Tributes have started pouring in for Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the First Executive Governor of Lagos, who died on Thursday.
Popularly called Babakere (small man) due to his stature, Jakande left 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.
Background
Lateef Kayode Jakande was born in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island on 29th July, 1929. His parents hail from Omu-Aran, Kwara State. He studied at the Lagos public school at Enu-Owa, Lagos Island, then at Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt (1934–43). He studied briefly at King’s College, Lagos in 1943, and then enrolled at Ilesha Grammar School in 1945, where he edited a literary paper called The Quarterly Mirror.
Journalism Career
In 1949, Jakande began a career in journalism first with the Daily Service and then in 1953 joining the Nigerian Tribune. In 1956, he was appointed editor-in-chief of The Tribune. His editorials were factual and forthright, and were treated by the colonial powers with respect. After leaving the Tribune in 1975, Jakande established John West Publications and began to publish The Lagos News. He served as the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
Governor of Lagos State
Encouraged by Awolowo, he ran for election as executive governor of Lagos State in 1979, on the Unity Party of Nigeria platform. He defeated his opponents, Adeniran Ogunsanya of NPP and Sultan Ladega Adeniji Adele of National Party of Nigeria, and was subsequently sworn in as governor. His administration was effective and open and implemented the cardinal policies of his party.
Housing Programme
Jakande left many indelible footprints as Governor of the state, especially in the area of infrastructure development. 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, Ipaja, Abule Nla, Epe, Anikantamo, Surulere, Iba, Ikorodu and Badagry.
To fund some of the projects, Jakande increased the tenement rates and price of plots of land in affluent areas of Victoria Island and Lekki Peninsula and the processing fees for lottery, pools and gaming licenses.
LASU
Aside introducing several educational programmes and building new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools, Jakande’s government established the Lagos State University in 1983.
Arrest and Prosecution
After the military government headed by Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon took over the government in 1983, Jakande was charged, prosecuted and convicted of treason; but he was later pardoned.
Criticism
The acceptance of the ministerial appointment under former Head of State, General Sani Abacha earned Jakande a lot of criticism. He claimed that he had accepted the post under pressure from M. K. O. Abiola and other progressive leaders. In a later interview, he said he had no regrets about the decision to serve.
90th Birthday
Jakande celebrated his 90th birthday on Tuesday, July 23, 2020 and it was attended by prominent Nigerians including former governor of Lagos and National leader of APC, Bola Tinubu.
Source: Wikipedia
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