By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said Nigerians are yet to celebrate the first civilian governor of the state, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as a journalist.

Sanwo-Olu said many people still remember the late Jakande for his achievements in education, health and infrastructure, among others.

He recalled that the late governor rose from a Proof Reader to an Editor and columnist before he became a politician.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by a former Editor and current Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso, spoke at the naming of the Lagos State Printing Corporation (LSPC) Press Hall after the late Jakande.

“The late Jakande was a successful journalist. He deserves commendation for his efforts in setting up a training institute for journalists. Today, thousands of journalists have been trained at the institute. His vision for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has helped many to become good journalists.

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“The establishment of Lagos Television (LTV) and Radio Lagos was another remarkable achievement in the field of journalism. We have not really celebrated him enough as a journalist,” he said.

The governor said the late Jakande’s standard has been a challenge for journalists and people in public offices.

LSPC’s General Manager Kolawole Peregrino described the late governor as a rare leader with record of unequal selfless service to the state.

“Today marks a new milestone since the cornerstone of this grandiose edifice was laid as the Lagos State Printing Corporation in 1980 by the first civilian governor of Lagos State… As the first Executive Governor, his (Jakande’s) preoccupation then was to totally change the Lagos State environment.

“He realised he could not do it alone. So, he decided to cast a stone across Lagos waters to create many ripples. One of those ripples is the printing corporation. This legacy has survived many political administrations in the state since he left office as governor till date. I consider myself privileged to be appointed the General Manager of the corporation by Governor Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

The late Jakande’s son, Deji, thanked the state government for the honour to his father.