President Buhari mourns late Lateef Jakande
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late first civilian governor of Lagos Alhaji Lateef Jakande as the president of the country Muhammadu Buhari described him as someone who lived for the good of others and his legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, expressed the belief that Jakande lived for the good of others, Lagos State and Nigeria as a nation.
President Buhari believes former Governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Jakande, lived for the good of others; state and country, and his legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered.
“The President, while condoling with family, friends, and associates of the elder statesman, affirms that his imprint on the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State, which was the former National capital, will continue to awe and inspire, reminding everyone of the strength of character and sacrifices of the visionary leader.
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“President Buhari notes contributions of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country, describing him as a patriot, whose wisdom will run through generations, especially in putting people first in development plans.
READ ALSO: 10 things you need to know about Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande
“The President joins government and people of Lagos State, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Nigerian Guild of Editors, in mourning the veteran journalist, praying that the almighty God will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest,” the statement reads.
Also, the president of the senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan said Nigeria has lost one of its exemplary political leaders and administrators.
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He stated this in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser, Media, Ola Awoniyi that Alhaji Jakande lived a long and inspirational life that found fulfillment in the service of humanity, said 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.
Lawan said, “His feats and carriage as governor made Alhaji Lateef 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. “Alhaj Jakande took his Midas touch to the Federal level when he served briefly as the Minister of Works where he left his marks especially on the landscape of Abuja.” The President of the Senate also commiserated 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. The Senate President prayed Allah to forgive his sins and accept his soul into Aljannat Firdaus.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo Agege through his Special adviser, media and publicity, Yomi Odunuga said that even in death, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande will forever be remembered as one of the greatest political leaders in the history of Nigeria.
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Senator Omo-Agege eulogised the elder statesman for his exemplary political leadership as well as his sterling personal qualities out of office.
“Alhaji Lateef Kayode 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.
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“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.”
The Deputy President of the Senate also prayed to God to comfort Alhaji Jakande’s wife, Alhaja Abimbola Sikirat Jakande, their children, and the former governor’s ardent admirers.