Nigeria needs Jakande’s brand of leadership, Sanwo-Olu, Olurode say

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Professors Lai Olurode and Sylvester Akhaine have urged Nigerians, particularly public officeholders, to emulate the late former Governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande, describing his legacy of selfless service, integrity, patriotism and people-centred governance as a model for national development.

They said Jakande’s achievements in education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and his level of contentment, unwavering commitment to Nigeria, remain enduring examples of purposeful leadership.

They spoke at the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture instituted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.

The NGE had in 2023 started the annual lecture series to honour the legacy of Lateef Jakande, the late journalist, ex-Lagos Governor, former Minister of Works and one-time President of the NGE.

Speaking, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described Jakande as a shining example of how journalism prepares individuals for leadership and public service.

According to him, the former governor demonstrated that journalists possess the discipline, vision and competence required to excel in governance.

Sanwo-Olu said, “He was one of those journalists who showed the world that we are not just about writing or speaking. We are not only about newspapers or electronic media; we can also be good administrators and public servants.

“He showed that journalism teaches you to do anything once you set your mind to it. If you make a journalist a governor, he will be a better governor.”

He also urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism and intensify efforts to combat the spread of fake news.

In his own remarks, Olurode, who chaired the occasion, said Jakande’s greatest legacy was his unwavering commitment to serving Nigeria.

He recalled that throughout his tenure as governor, Jakande never travelled abroad for medical treatment because he believed in Nigeria’s potential.

“Lateef Jakande believed strongly in Nigeria. During his years as governor, he never travelled abroad for medical treatment.

“When we once asked him why he did not travel overseas despite the challenges in the country, he said Nigeria was a country people from Europe and Asia should come to because of its enormous potential.

“If there is anything Jakande did throughout his life, it was service. Even after leaving office, his house was always filled with people seeking jobs and assistance. He remained committed to helping others,” Olurode said.

He challenged Nigerians to reflect on what they could contribute to national development rather than focusing solely on what they could gain from the country.

President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, said the memorial lecture was established to preserve Jakande’s ideals of ethical journalism, exemplary leadership and public service.

According to him, Jakande and other founding members established the Guild in 1961 at a time Nigeria faced political and economic uncertainty similar to current realities.

He urged journalists to remain professional, accurate and impartial as the country prepares for future elections.

“The media must remain professional, accurate and fair in its coverage of the electoral process. Likewise, INEC must continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with transparency, competence and impartiality.

“When both institutions perform their respective roles effectively, the electorate will be better informed and better equipped to make choices that strengthen our democracy,” Anaba said.

Delivering the memorial lecture, a Professor of Political Science at Lagos State University, Akhaine, described the Jakande administration as one that continues to provide valuable lessons for contemporary governance.

He said the achievements recorded during the Second Republic demonstrated that good governance was achievable in Nigeria.

“The Jakande years have always been of comparative value to me in analysing the contradictions of the Fourth Republic.

“Those years affirmed the slogan that ‘Another Nigeria is Possible,’” Akhaine said.

Speaking on the lecture theme, he urged the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission and voters to play their respective roles in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the media must remain committed to truth, while INEC should continue to improve electoral transparency and voters should reject financial inducement from politicians.

He added that sustained voter education and stronger institutional reforms would enhance the credibility of future elections.

Also speaking, the matriarch of the Jakande family, Mrs Sikirat Jakande, urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the late statesman’s life of service.

She recalled that Jakande transformed the lives of millions through his free education and healthcare programmes, housing projects and road construction.

“I will advise Nigerians to learn from Baba Jakande. The legacy of Baba can be used for future generations.

“He provided free education, free healthcare, roads and houses. He helped many people, and many people have learnt from him.

“People are still remembering him because of his achievements. They cannot forget him forever,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the son of the late Jakande, Deji, said the yearly lecture continued to put members of the Jakande family on their toes not to taint the legacies, name, and reputation of their late father.

The event was attended by Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Seyi Jakande; media icon, Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu; senior journalists, public officials, communication students, scholars and civil society representatives.