Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has expressed shock at the death of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande saying he was one of the country’s finest and oldest politician.
Thc Governor in a condolence message he personally signed said ‘ Baba Kekere’ as he was referred to will be remembered most for his civic-mindedness, humility and steadfastness.
He wrote; ” I received with shock the upsetting news of the death of one of the country’s finest and oldest politician- Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
” Indeed, of the crop of our forbearers- governors, Baba Kekere, as he is fondly known was the last of the three Second Republic governors surviving until his passage to glory.
” One of the proteges of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory, who practically drafted him into politics and prodded him to run for the position of governor, late Jakande lived to the bidding of the poor people and his political mentor by excelling well when he was in charge in Lagos as the first civilian governor under the auspices of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
” A consummate journalist who rose to become the Editor-in-Chief of The TRIBUNE and the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) after spending 26 years in the pen profession, Chief Jakande was also the Minister of Works under the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha.
READ ALSO: The Last Of The Titans Is Gone; Aregbesola Mourns Jakande
“During his tenure as governor, Lagos witnessed significant transformation in mass housing scheme, free education, erecting of basic and tertiary education infrastructure, the latter of which was the establishment of the Lagos State University. Equally, under his administration, the General Hospital in Gbagada and Ikorodu were completed just as about 20 more health centres were built within the state.
” Above his political accomplishments and his role as a respected community leader long after he had left the corridors of power, Baba Kekere will be remembered most for his civic-mindedness, humility and steadfastness.
“As Nigeria and Lagos State mourn this skillful grassroots politician, on behalf of the government and blessed people of Sokoto State, I pray for the repose of his gentle soul.
” I condole Gov. Babajide Sanwolu, the government and good people of Lagos State; the respected family of the deceased as well as the NPAN.
” May his soul rest in peace and I besiege Allah (SWT) to grant him Aljanna Firdaus.
“Sun re o Baba Kekere.”
