Lagos mourns late Lateef Jakande: 16 hard facts you should know

The news on the demise of the revered politician and former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who died Thursday, February 11, 2021, has continued to generate reactions from leaders across the country, throwing Lagos State, particularly, into a mourning state.

In remembrance of the selfless leader and great political engineer (Baba Kekere) who laid a strong foundation upon which Lagos State continues to thrive, the Quillcastle crew shares below 16 hard facts about the late Jakande.

16 hard facts:

• The late governor, Lateef Kayode Jakande was born in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, Lagos State on the 29th of July 1929.
• Both of Lateef Jakande’s parents hailed from Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
• Jakande began a career in journalism in 1949, first with the Daily Service and later in 1953 joining the Nigerian Tribune.
• In 1956 he was appointed editor-in-chief of the Tribune by the owner Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his editorials were described as factual and forthright, hence treated by the colonial powers with respect.
• Jakande established John West Publications and began to publish The Lagos News after leaving the Tribune in 1975.
•  He also served as the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
• Lateef Jakande emerged executive governor of Lagos State in 1979 on the Unity Party of Nigeria platform after defeating his opponents, Adeniran Ogunsanya of NPP and Sultan Ladega Adeniji Adele of National Party of Nigeria.
• The late governor’s administration introduced housing and educational programs targeting the poor, building new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools and providing free primary and secondary education.
• Baba Kekere established the Lagos State University.
• Jakande’s government constructed over 30,000 housing units, some of which include low cost estates in Amuwo-Odofin, Ijaiye, Dolphin, Oke-Afa, Ije, Abesan, Iponri, Ipaja, Abule Nla, Epe, Anikantamo, Surulere, Iba, Ikorodu and Badagry.
• The late Jakande’s administration also saw to the completion of the construction of the General Hospital in Gbagada and Ikorodu, building about 20 health centres within the state.
• Baba kekere as he was popularly called was the Minister of works under the Sani Abacha military regime, after the military take-over in 1983.
• The late revered politician was married thrice, the first one died, the second left when he was arrested for treason with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and he lived with the last wife till death, Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola Jakande, according to an interview granted by the last child of the late governor.
• Additionally, Jakande is said to have 8 children.
• He met his lovely wife, Abimbola Sikirat Jakande, in the home of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while she was working with Mama HID Awolowo.
• Although, the nonagenarian quitted politics many years ago, two of his sons took after him: Hon. Deji Jakande and Hon. Seyi Jakande -Hon. Deji was a former House of Representatives member while Hon Seyi is currently the Vice Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.