“I am most grateful for the opportunity to
serve Lagos and to have turned 90” – Alhaji Lateef Jakande
The first civilian
governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, must by turning 90 years
overgrown, though symbolically the title of ‘baba kekere’ that he was fondly
called by admirers who felt that he comes second in political achievements in
office to a late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He has truly earned his reputation as
one of the most loved and adored former governors in Nigeria.
In a
country that is not serious about documentations and historical records, it is
apposite to celebrate this very iconic statesman by all indices. Alhaji Lateef
Jakande today stands out like the proverbial iroko tree amongst shrubs in the
political environment in Nigeria. It is equally instructive that a man like him
who is a definition of what a leader should be is alive in today’s Nigeria and
looking at most politicians serve themselves instead of the people.
Before
becoming governor in 1979, Alhaji Jakande was an accomplished journalist and
administrator. He was a quintessential servant of the people whose time as
governor of Lagos was marked by development in the housing and the education
sectors especially. His records in these areas seem not to have been matched by
all his predecessors. Many tend to assume that Lagos would have been better
developed had a Jakande had more time in government. |
| Lateef Jakande |
His sense
of modesty and humility seem very alien to most politicians in Nigeria as most
of them grandstand and rule rather than lead or serve the people. His lifestyle
in and out of government shows a man that is at peace with himself and
understands that leadership is about service and not about having airs or
acquiring wealth. He serves as an excellent role model for future generations.
His career
as a journalist was equally remarkable as he started his career at the Daily
Times of Nigeria from where he joined the Nigerian Tribune where he was
appointed editor-in-chief by the late Chief Awolowo. He served as the first
president of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). He had
an outstanding journalism career and is today a reference point for
journalists.
His focus
during his term as governor was on the people especially the lowest class of
people. He fashioned and executed policies to ease the pain of the poor
especially in the areas of housing and education. He built new housing estates
and schools, both primary and secondary schools in all the local governments in
Lagos state thereby abolishing the double streaming that was in practice before
he became governor.
Following
the footsteps of his mentor, late Awolowo, he provided free primary and
secondary education. He established 23 local government councils just to make
governance closer to the people even though the military government later
disbanded them. The important thing today is that the man Jakande served the people
with zeal and empathy, two qualities lacking in most politicians today.
He was a
visionary leader who truly used his position to make valid difference in the
lives of the people. It is therefore very instructive and appropriate to
celebrate this diamond in the rubble of Nigerian politics because it does seem
his type is very rare in the land. Not many have measured up to the high level
of commitment he showed as a leader.
His
longevity seems an appropriate reward for a man who has lived a life of service
and loyalty to the people and his own political mentor. His records in and out
of government would be very interesting in years to come and may likely inspire
the younger generation to act differently from what seems to be plaguing the
Nigerian political class.
Many might
want to discredit him because he accepted to serve under the late Sani Abacha
who was a military Head of state. But that is precisely what ails the land. How
was it that he was not seen as trying to serve his people rather than serving
the former military Head of state? Was it not possible that he just wanted to
serve his country in any capacity? Anyway, the old man is still alive and can
still answer questions about his political choices.
An Alhaji
Jakande is not by any means a saint, it is therefore wrong for any one mortal
to holistically condemn him on the basis of having accepted to serve in a
military government. Today, we are glad to join him in thanksgiving as he
celebrates his 90th birthday. He is a beacon of good governance and this column
celebrates him in a country that good leadership at all levels seems so rare.
May he be around with his good counsel for many more years.
*Mrs. Ogaziechi is a public affairs analyst
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