Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has created Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in recognition of late Lateef Jakande’s outstanding achievements, and as a
way of immortalizing the first civilian governor of Lagos of the state
He said that this will be supported by an Act of the State Assembly.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during a day of tributes in celebration of the life and times of Jakande.
He described Jakande as “a great man, a selfless leader, a rare gem, a quintessential politician, an administrator par excellence, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, architect of modern Lagos, and one of the leading disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, “Baba Kekere”, a sobriquet he
earned for taking after the late sage, Awolowo. A man who lived a full life; a life rich not in material things but in the things that truly matter: integrity, honour, service and character.”
He noted that “through his outstanding and unequalled achievements, Alhaji Lateef Jakande has written his name in gold. He will continue to be remembered by generations as a reference point in good governance, welfarism, visionary leadership, selfless leadership, transformational leadership and leadership by example.”
The governor said one of the attributes of Jakande that stood out to most people was his humility.
He noted that :”He was never one to throw his greatness and clout around; he stayed simple and humble even at
the height of his achievements, and until the very end.”
The governor said that prior to his foray into politics, “Jakande had built a reputation for himself as an outstanding journalist, fearless. He was widely celebrated for his ingenuity, courage and brilliance, all of which he demonstrated in his writings as Editor-in-Chief
of the Nigerian Tribune and a publisher.”
He said that Jakande’s achievements as executive governor of Lagos State within four
years and three months (1979-1983) are well
documented for posterity, adding that “A careful analysis of the achievements whether in education, health, housing, transportation, environment, road infrastructure or agriculture, would reveal a leader shrewd in the management of resources, visionary, altruistic, selfless, disciplined, passionate and accountable.
