From Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Governor Dapo Abiodun has mourned the passing of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing him as a colossal loss to Nigeria and journalism practice globally.
Elder statesman, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, died on Thursday at age 91 in Lagos.
Abiodun's condolence issued by Kunle Somorin, his Chief Press Secretary, he eulogizing the deceased elder statesman as a profound protégé of Papa Awo, an excellent welfarist, democrat and diplomat of the finest pedigree.
The Governor added that the deceased politician was not found wanting in character and disposition throughout his professional and political career.
He noted that Jakande was the last of the Unity Party of Nigeria-led LOOBO (Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Bendel and Oyo), as the states were called when the country had a 19-state structure.
“Papa Jakande was a statesman of statesmen. He was not just a great disciple of the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, he carried the Awoist traits everywhere he went. Lagos has lost a visioner. The Awoists family has lost a great inheritor and practitioner of the great legacy and Nigeria’s progressive politics has been weaned of a model.
“There is no way good governance will be mentioned in Nigeria without a reference to the cerebral journalist and administrator, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He was selfless; an embodiment of in excellence in prudent management of men and resources both as a newspaper man and as governor of Lagos State. Everybody attests to his modesty and exceptional skills in managing the affairs of Lagos State even in the period of austerity measures.
"He simply was the best in his generation of Governors and held in high esteem by succeeding generations of Governors. To live in the hearts of millions even when we are no more here is not to die.
"Papa LKJ was a great fighter who lived a great and exemplary life. He fought a triumphant battle against dictatorship and tyranny, especially in the colonial era and immediate post-colonial period as a journalist and politician. Many will remember him as the best governor in the second Republic, renowned for his investment in education, housing and public infrastructure.
“While his role in the days following the annulment of June 12 election can never be forgotten, his achievements as Minister of Works between 1993 and 1998 still stand out till today. He was consistent in standing for truth and integrity throughout his sojourn life on this side of the divide.
"I recall that he stood like a rock of Gibraltar with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and there is no way the history of democratic struggle in Nigeria can be written without his name not be emblazoned in gold. He may no more be with us physically, but his example of honour and dignity will continue to inspire future generations.
The governor surmised that: "Baba Kekere (Junior Awo), truly fought a good fight all round. Glory to the Almighty for your life and for all that you stood (for). The entire country, Africa and the whole world will never forget your footprints on the sand of democracy
“It is my prayer that Almighty Allah grant Mama, the LKJ family, the government and people of Lagos State the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he statement concluded.
Also, former Governor Olusegun has likened the demise of Jakande to the fallen of Iroko tree.
Osoba in release on Thursday, said Jakande would be remembered in history as a personification of the best in Journalism and a political colossus.
The veteran ace reporter recalled that Jakande singlehandedly founded both the Nespapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, adding that he was also 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.
"An astute politician who left giant footprints wherever he had the opportunity to serve at State and Federal level.
"As Governor of Lagos State , he ran a daily "Political Clinic", where citizens committed him on issues.
"In Yoruba parlance- Iroko Tree as well as an Elephant has fallen. God grant him eternal rest," he stated.
... He Was A True Progressive Leader, Says Adeola
The chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos West) has described the demise of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande at the age of 91 as a big loss to the progressive family where he was indeed a true progressive leader with verifiable record of service to the people of Lagos State and indeed Nigeria.
In a statement mourning the death of the former Governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, the Senator stated that Alhaji Jakande exemplary life and performance in public offices was a model which is worthy of emulation by any true progressive with a mind to impact positively on his people.
The senator prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the great leader and the fortitude for the immediate family to bear the irreparable loss.
“Alhaji LKJ was a foremost constituent from Lagos West Senatorial District that we are proud of as a good example of service to the people in earthly sojourn. We will surely miss his wise and fatherly counsel in running of public affairs and his repository of knowledge during a critical time in the history of Nigeria” Senator Adeola stated in a statement issued by his media aide, Chief Kayode Odunaro .
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