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The family of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, yesterday, marked his fifth year remembrance with special prayers, describing his legacy as incomparable.
Leading the Fidau prayer, Chief Imam of Nawair-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulmajeed Ayinla, prayed that God would increase the deceased’s light and grant him eternal rest.
He noted that during his lifetime, Jakande made significant contributions to human and social development.
In his lecture, Associate Professor at the Lagos State University, Saheed Timehin, called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on the enduring legacies left behind by the late Jakande, emphasising that true legacy lies in the positive impact one leaves on humanity.
Quoting from Q18 Vs 46, he reminded the audience that wealth and children are adornments of this world, but lasting good deeds are better in the sight of Allah.
He described Alhaji Jakande as a leader, who made remarkable marks in various human endeavours, particularly in education and journalism.
“Within four years and three months, he achieved what is unequal. His standard remains unmatched.
“One basic universal truth is that we are gonna die but the real issue is your legacy because your monument and money will no longer be helpful but your Legacy. It doesn’t speak in words, it speaks in what lives and what you have left behind.“
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The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Homes Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, described the late Jakande as a visionary leader who transformed Lagos State in ways that continue to shape governance in the state.
He said: “His actions showed us that the government is a powerful tool for enhancing daily life, creating opportunities, restoring dignity and a style both for current and future generations.”
Sanwo-Olu commended Jakande for his policies that expanded access to free education, as well as in the housing sector, where thousands of families have a stable apartment to live.
“However, what we understand in the legacy of Alhaji Jakande is the principle he championed which is that leadership is a sacred trust and governance is about serving with fairness, integrity and a long term vision,“ he stated.
In his tribute, a retired Professor of Sociology, University of Lagos, Lai Olurode, described him as a model of ethical leadership, fiscal discipline and people-centred governance.
Olurode, who was represented by the Weekend Editor of the Guardian Newspaper, Dr. Kabir Garba, highlighted the former governor’s rejection of flamboyance and what he described as the “wasteful paraphernalia” that often surrounds public office holders in Nigeria.
He said: “No wonder that today, Jakande remains evergreen in our memories though he served only one-term in office. Of course, he was never a perfect man. He has his weaknesses as a human being but, an overall assessment will place him well above his peers and above the average score in a country with many psychologically wrecked minds where materialism is all that defines the essence of human beings.”
