Lawan, Omo-Agege Pay Tribute to Jakande

Lawan, Omo-Agege Pay Tribute to Jakande

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, have paid tribute to the first civilian Governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

In his tribute, Lawan said Nigeria has lost one of its exemplary political leaders and administrators with the death on Thursday of Alhaji Jakande.

According to him, Jakande lived a long and inspirational life that found fulfilment in the service of humanity adding that he made sterling contributions to the development of journalism In Nigeria before replicating his indelible footprints on the political and economic development of Nigeria with his landmark achievements as the first elected governor of Lagos State.

“His feats and carriage as governor made Alhaji Jakande a permanent face of progressive politics which primary concern is the welfare and well-being of the people. Throughout his tenure as governor, he faithfully implemented the four cardinal programmes of his party, the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria.

“His numerous legacies continue to be appreciated, particularly in the education, health and housing sectors of Lagos State,” Lawan says.

“Alhaji Jakande took his midas touch to the Federal level when he served briefly as the Minister of Works and Housing where he left his marks especially on the landscape of Abuja.”

The Senate President while commiserating with the family, friends and associates of the legend over his departure also sent his condolences to the people of Lagos State and the Newspapers Properties Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the transition of the titan.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President stated that Papa Jakande will forever be remembered as one of the greatest political leaders in the history of Nigeria.
He eulogised the elder statesman for his exemplary political leadership as well as his sterling personal qualities out of office.

Omo-Agege also noted that:
“Alhaji Jakande, a thorough journalist and exemplary politician left a bold imprint with accelerated populist and futuristic projects across Lagos State which he governed from 1979 to 1983. Later, as Minister of Works between 1993 and 1998, he dynamically strove to impact lives across the Federation.

“From being the literary editor of a secondary school publication, LKJ rose to become a great editor whose editorials were factual and forthright, and were treated with due respect by the colonial powers.

“Through a mix of journalism and entrepreneurship which should further inspire young journalists today, he left Tribune newspapers in 1975 to establish John West Publications and The Lagos News.

“Notably, he became the pioneer President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). In addition to all these, Alhaji Jakande was a very loyal lieutenant of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a trusted leader, a true achiever in all sense of the word and a great family man whose personal life was a lesson in moderation”.

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