Former Lagos Governor, Lateef Jakande, dies at 91, biography, achievements

Jakande, aka Baba Kekere, brought a lot of development to Lagos as governor between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983, in line with the five cardinal programmes of the Unity Party of Nigeria founded by a former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo
The first Executive Governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande,

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is dead.

He reportedly died on Thursday at the age of 91.

Jakande, aka Baba Kekere, brought a lot of development to Lagos as governor between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983, in line with the five cardinal programmes of the Unity Party of Nigeria founded by a former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Incumbent Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the passage of the elder statesman in a statement.

He wrote, “With gratitude to God for a worthy life well spent in the service of Lagos State, Nigeria and humanity, I announce the death of a venerable statesman, outstanding politician, public administrator and the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

“Baba Jakande’s record of service as a journalist of repute and a leader of remarkable achievements as governor of Lagos State will remain indelible for generations to come.

“His death is a colossal loss and he will be missed.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Baba Jakande.

“May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus, Aamin.”

Unarguably the best governor ever in Lagos State in terms of achievements and lifestyle, Chief Lateef Jakande has contributed greatly to the state transport. Check his bio & achievements below!

1. Who is Lateef Jakande?

The 91-year-old Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the first democratic governor of Lagos State.

He was born on July 29, 1929 and only spent 4 years during his tenure, between October 1979 to December 1983.

Before he rose to the position of the governor, he was a journalist, who later became editor-in-chief of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo owned Tribune.

He later went into politics and became an active member of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

With the backing of Awolowo, he contested for the position of the executive governor of Lagos State in 1979, which he emerged victorious. During his tenure as Lagos State Governor, he executed the four cardinal UPN’s programs.

2. Lateef Jakande contributions to Lagos

2.1. General achievements

Due to his policy of administration and his personal philosophies, became known as the younger version of Obafemi Awolowo, most especially in terms of wisdom and principle. Consequently, he was widely regarded as “Baba Kekere” (young Awolowo).

He was responsible for introducing housing and educational programs, which focused on building new primary and secondary schools in the neighbourhood, the poor and ensuring free education at the primary and secondary school level.

It was his tenure that founded singular school system and quality free education in the state. However, those who benefitted from this policy are currently holding key positions in every part of the country and world at large.

It was Jakande’s government that increased the Lagos state primary schools to 812 consisting of 533,001 pupils contrary to the 605 primary schools with 434,545 pupils he met in power. Secondary schools were also increased from 105 schools with 107,885 students to 223 schools and 167,629 students.

11,729 classrooms were constructed with forty children maximum per class between March and August 1980 in his government. Afterwards, he had built more than 22,000 classrooms by 1983.

He was also responsible for the establishment of Lagos State University. The currently used secretariat in Lagos State was built by its administration. This secretariat in particular, houses the subsequent governors and all state ministries. The Lagos State House of Assembly complex located at Alausa in Ikeja was built during his administration.

His government was also responsible for the establishment of Lagos State Television (LTV), Lagos Radio, Lagos State University General Hospitals, Teacher Training College, Waste disposal board and College of Education.

The Water Management Board and construction Adiyan Water works were established and implemented during Jakande’s regime. This construction led to increase in water supply to 18.16 million liters every day.

Iju Works, which had its first commissioning in 1915, was expanded and modernized by his government. At the time, they were able to generate 204 million liters per day from the usual 159 million liters.

During his reign, the Electricity Board for Rural Electrification, which brought street lights, was established.

In July 1980, the government of Lateef Jakande took over the financing and ownership of Lagos State Printing Corporation. The first State Traffic Management Authority was also founded.

The small scale industries credit scheme, which preceded EKO Bank, was also among the illustrious establishments under his regime. Infact the LASACO Insurance was founded by his administration.

Existing markets were expanded, new ones were built and Traditional Medicine board came into reality. More than 30 houses were constructed, great value and cheaply built for private homes and schools. Low budget houses were built during his administration such as Oke-Afa, Ijaiye, Abule Nla, Dolphin, amuwo Ofin, Epe, Abesan, Ije, Ipaja, Iponri, Surulere, Anikantamo, Iba, Badagry Ikorodu, Isheri/Olowu, Orisigun amog others.

General Hospitals located at Ikorodu and Gbagada were built and completed with additional 20 heath centers in the state.

Although the military disbanded the local government council, 23 of them were founded by Lateef Jakande administration before military coup.

2.2. Achievements in transportation sector

Check out some of Lateef Jakande achievements in the transportation sector during his administration:

  • He was responsible for the construction, resurfacing and rehabilitation of popular roads such as Toyin Street in Ikeja, Oba Akran Avenue, Town Planning Way, Epe/Ijebu –Ode Road, Alimosho-Idimu-Egbe Road, Victoria Island Road, New Secretariat road, among others.
  • Under his administration, the giant car crusher was acquired and commissioned. The intention was to use it to crush derelict vehicles in the state. The giant crusher is capable of crushing 45 cars in a day.
  • Lateef Jakande administration founded Asphalt factory for the Public Works Department, which is now known as Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC0. It was established to promote consistent maintenance of road.
  • “Baba Kekere and Itafaji”, two commercial boats were inaugurated by the government in July, 1983. This was to launch the beginning of ferry services in Lagos State.
  • He was responsible for the establishment of first state Traffic Management Authority (Road Marshal).
  • He was the first administration to conceive the idea of metro-line system in the State before it was canceled by the then military rule of Buhari after seizing power.

3. Lateef Jakande modest lifestyle

He led by example living a very modest lifestyle. He refused to stay in the elaborate comfort given by the governor official residence. He lived at Ilupeju, where his private residence was. He also used to drive himself to work in his Toyota sedan.

Till date, he stays in the same private residence in Ilupeju, away from the glamour usually accorded to the status of a governor.

Many consider his achievements as the greatest in the history of the state.

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