The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday, hailed the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, saying the country needed more leaders with integrity and pragmatism.
Jakande, who served between October 1, 1979, and December 31, 1983, passed away last Thursday at the age of 91.
Tinubu, who is also a former governor of Lagos, spoke at the eighth-day Fidau prayer session for Jakande, saying had started his political career at the late ex-governor’s house.
Recounting a conversation with Jakande, the APC chieftain stated, “He said, ‘Go, we need many like you. Go to the Senate.’ The rest is history.
“We pray for Nigeria to give us more leaders that are prudent, very honest, and give priority to the future, looking at what will become the life of the children.”
The event was also attended by former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Inspector General of Police, Musliliu Smith; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, among others.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has said the legacy bequeathed by the late former governor in public service will remain a reference point in annals of governance in the country.
The governor, who spoke at the eighth-day Fidau, noted that the late Jakande had earned a place of pride within the coven of the nation’s political class, stressing that the name of the deceased would continue to be synonymous with selflessness in leadership and service.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, quoted Sanwo-Olu as saying, “Baba Jakande came into public service with sole determination to serve and leave a good legacy for us. He only governed for four years and three months, but his marks and records are still visible almost 40 years after. What he did for Lagos and Nigeria are beyond what his family can bear alone.
“He was an enigma of our time and a National icon, whose leadership in public service remains a reference point. This is a time for all of us in positions of leadership today to reflect on how our administration, our policies and programmes have impacted the lives of the people.”
Sanwo-Olu stated that a formal day of honour for the late Jakande was being planned by the state government, adding that the family would be availed of the details.
The National Missioner, Ansar ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahaman Ahmad, in his sermon, said the late ex-governor was a library in public leadership whose entire life was a testimony of service.