Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday, described Alhaji Lateef Jakande as a progressive leader and a pacesetter who added value to the face of good governance in the State.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this at the 86th birthday celebration of the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, popularly known as Baba Kekere in Lagos.
He said that Jakande had been a strong pillar behind the other governors of the State in driving good governance, development and progress for all Lagosians.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday, described Alhaji Lateef Jakande as a progressive leader and a pacesetter who added value to the face of good governance in the State.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this at the 86th birthday celebration of the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, popularly known as Baba Kekere in Lagos.
He said that Jakande had been a strong pillar behind the other governors of the State in driving good governance, development and progress for all Lagosians.
Alhaji Jakande is truly a progressive politician and administrator par excellence. We cannot forget his memorable years of selfless service to the people of Lagos State.
"He is a selfless leader who has set the precedent for us to follow and we shall not relent until we have surpassed his achievements in providing good governance in the State, ‘’ he said.
In a paper titled: ‘Progressive Governance: LKJ Reflects’, a former Military Governor of Lagos State, retired Rear Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu, said that the name LKJ would remain an indelible example of progressives’ governance, not only in Lagos State, but far beyond.
"The first bold step taken by LKJ was to abolish the shift system in Lagos Primary Education system to enable all children to be at school in the morning, thereby giving all equal opportunity to receive attention at the same period.
"The huge success of this policy, which was beneficial to the poor and to the nation at large, earned LKJ international accolades," he said.
Kanu also lauded Jakande for the creation of Lagos State University (LASU), established for the purpose of providing a platform for acquisition of tertiary education for indigent students of Lagos.
"Another of his many success stories is in the area of housing. Shelter has been an essential provision to humanity for ages, next only to food. This remarkable achievement of LKJ’s administration was a landmark in the political history of Nigeria. Houses were built for Lagosians and other Nigerian citizens resident in Lagos.
"The feat attained by LKJ in building and establishing all the ‘Ile Jakande’ or estates is regarded as a revolution in the history of the building industry and providing houses for the poor masses in Nigeria," he added.
Kanu urged political leaders to emulate the selfless service of Jakande by ensuring that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, Alhaji Kola Oseni, Chairman of the occasion and All progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain began the rain of eulogies when he recalled how the Jakande administration, which was abruptly cut short by the military, greatly impacted the residents.
Oseni said that Jakande left an indelible mark of development and progress that can never be forgotten in Lagos State.
"We have to celebrate him in his lifetime to show gratitude to God for all his good works and for using him as a role model to other political leaders," he said.
In his remarks, retired Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, a former Governor of Lagos State, recounted the unmatched the legacies Jakande’s administration left behind several decades after it was abruptly truncated.
He highlighted how the man popularly called Baba Kekere promoted good governance by providing quality education and housing for the people of Lagos State.
Jakande, in his remarks, thanked all those who packaged the activities to mark his 86th birthday.
He said that he was very happy that his country was recognizing the little he did while in public service.
He said his total commitment to the people and the need to serve them were his driving force.
"I only tried to give my best in any circumstance I found himself. The purpose of public service is to serve the people and that was my determination. Many of my critics will realise today that they were wrong because many of them did not believe in my principles and policies.
"Some believed that what I wanted to do was impossible, but God used me and did it. I urge political leaders to serve the country they were elected to serve by putting the people first in all they do and make Nigeria the greatest nation in Africa," he said.
Other dignitaries at the event include two former Deputy Governors of Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Sosan and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.
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