The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jakande

  • Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu made modern Lagos, says Ambode

    Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu made modern Lagos, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday named a recreational park at Alausa in Ikeja, the state capital, after three former governors: Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (retd.), Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The park, now called Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu Park (JJT Park), is located opposite the House of Assembly and sits on a piece of land measuring about 21,880 square metres with two waterfalls, a children’s playground and free wi-fi for the residents.

    Performing the inauguration, Ambode said the park was done in honour of the trio, who he said worked tirelessly for the emergence of Lagos as one of the most prominent city-states in Africa.

    Ambode said Johnson, Jakande and Asiwaju Tinubu made sterling contributions during their tenures, adding that their achievements would remain indelible.

    He said: “One of the hallmarks of any progressive society is to always recognise and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos State, we have so many heroes who toiled and laid a solid foundation for the state we enjoy today.

    “Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos State. These eminent Lagosians are some of the very few brave men who stood to be counted on the side of justice and even by their performances while in office have written their names in gold for future generations.

    “The roles played by Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, the first governor and Military Administrator of the state; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor and architect of modern Lagos, can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our state, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today.”

    The governor recalled that Johnson built the 60.7-kilometre Lagos-Badagry Expressway linking Nigeria with other countries in the West African sub-region; the Itoikin Bridge, linking Epe and Ikorodu; the Eko Bridge and a network of roads and bridges that opened up the new Lagos.

    He said Jakande, who was in office for four years, introduced masses-oriented programmes, particularly in the Education, housing and health sectors.

    According to him, apart from the successful implementation of the Free Education programme, Jakande also established new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools and built over 30,000 housing units in different parts of the state for low income earners.

    Ambode said: “His tenure also witnessed the completion of the general hospitals at Gbagada and Ikorodu as well as the establishment of about 20 health centres across the state. Alhaji Lateef Jakande conceived and initiated the metro line transit system, which would have solved the challenge being experienced in the Transportation sector today.”

    The governor described Asiwaju Tinubu as the architect of modern Lagos, saying his tenure witnessed the development of a blueprint for the future development of the state and which successive administrations have continued to build upon and actualise today.

    He added: “One of the remarkable achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu’s administration was the reform of the state tax administration system, which resulted in Lagos attaining the status of the most viable and self-sustaining state in Nigeria. He also made huge investments in education and initiated new roads, required to meet the needs of the fast-growing population of the state.

    “Asiwaju also established the institutional framework which ensured that the state was properly and efficiently run. It was under Asiwaju’s government that institutions like LIRS, LAMATA, LASTMA and many others came into existence.”

    Ambode, who presented plaques to the former governors, through their representatives, said his administration honoured them while they are alive.

    The governor expressed optimism that the park would serve as a constant reminder of their sacrifices and the need to protect and preserve their legacies and ideals.

    He said: “More importantly, it will serve as a reminder and a source of inspiration for leaders who would have the honour and privilege to occupy the seat that was once occupied by these great men of history.”

    The General Manager of the State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, noted that aside from being strategically located, the park also showcases the state government’s resolve to make parks available for recreation, for relaxation as well as for social events.

  • Ambode commissions park named after Tinubu, two others

    Ambode commissions park named after Tinubu, two others

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday commissioned a recreational park in Alausa, named after three former governors of the state – Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (retd) Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The park, now known as Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu Park (JJT Park) is sited opposite the Lagos State House of Assembly and sits on a land area of about 21,880sqm with facilities including two waterfalls, children’s playground and free Wi-Fi for use by residents.

    Speaking at a ceremony to unveil the park, Governor Ambode said it was done in honour of the trio who had worked tirelessly for the emergence of Lagos as one of the most prominent City States in Africa.

    Ambode said Johnson, Jakande and Tinubu made sterling contributions during their tenure in office, adding that such would remain indelible.

    He said: “One of the hallmarks of any progressive society is to always recognise and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos State, we have so many heroes who toiled and laid a solid foundation for the Lagos we enjoy today.

    “Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos State. These eminent Lagosians are some of the very few brave men that stood to be counted on the side of justice and even by their performances while in office have written their name in gold for future generations.”

    “The roles played by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (retd), the First Governor and Military Administrator of the state; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the First Civilian Governor of Lagos State; and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor and Architect of modern Lagos; can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our state, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today.”

    He said Johnson laid the foundation as the pioneer governor of the newly created Lagos State in 1967 and constructed the 60.7 kilometre Lagos–Badagry Expressway linking Nigeria with countries in the West African sub region, the Itoikin Bridge linking Epe and Ikorodu; the Eko Bridge and a network of roads and bridges that opened up the new Lagos, while Alhaji Jakande, the first elected Civilian Governor of Lagos State, who held office for four years introduced masses-oriented programmes particularly in the education, housing and health sectors.

    The governor added: “Apart from the successful implementation of the Free Education Programme, Jakande also established new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools, and also constructed over 30,000 housing units in indifferent parts of the state for the benefit of low income earners.

    “His tenure also witnessed the completion of the General Hospitals in Gbagada and Ikorodu as well as the establishment of about 20 health centres within the state. Alhaji Lateef Jakande conceived and initiated the Metro line transit system that would have provided a solution to the challenge being experienced in the transportation sector today.”

    He described Tinubu as the architect of modern Lagos, saying his tenure witnessed the development of a blueprint for future development of the state and which successive administrations have continued to build upon and actualize today.

    “One of the remarkable achievements of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was the reform of the state tax administration system which resulted in the state attaining the status of the most viable and self-sustaining state in Nigeria. He also made huge investments in education and initiated new road constructions, required to meet the needs of the fast-growing population of the state.

    “Asiwaju also established the institutional framework which ensured that the state was properly and efficiently run.  It was under Asiwaju’s government that institutions like LIRS, LAMATA, LASTMA and many others came into existence,” Ambode said.

     

  • Jakande’s, Jafojo’s, Olusi’s sons for council poll

    Jakande’s, Jafojo’s, Olusi’s sons for council poll

    The son of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, Seyi, has joined the chairmanship race in Ojuwoye local councl.

    Also, Adeniyi Jafojo, son of former Deputy Governor Rafiu Jafojo, is eyeing the chairmanship of Agege local government.

    In Lagos Island West, Sola Olusi, son of Prince Tajudeen Olusi, is among those jostling for chairmanship ticket.

    These childern of legends are contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The poll holds on June 20.

    Jafojo called for concerted efforts to tackle grassroots problems.

    He said if elected as the chairman of the Agege Local Government Area, his administration would make life better by confronting the obstacles that hinder its development.

    He said: “One of the plans we have is to bring investors to Agege and once that is done, there will be lots of programmes that will open up the council. As I discuss with you, we are talking with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in terms of how we can partner with them. We have to start looking inward; we cannot be expecting allocation all the time from the government to better the lives of our people. We must also put in place programmes that will attract investors to the community.”

    Jafojo added: “There are some abnormalities that I saw in my local government, which I believe can be better handled, when compared to other local governments. We need to uplift the local government and that boils down to how we handle it. One of the areas we have serious problem is Agege and that is youth unrest. We have not been able to sit down and capture the scene properly. Again, we have serious environmental problem because people dump refuse in the canal indiscriminately. It has led to flooding and making the gutters unkempt. Some houses do not have public toilet. this constitutes health hazards.

    Jafojo promised to tackle environmental problems. He said: “These are serious environmental issues that have negative health consequences. We must come as people to see how we can find solution to these problems. In my own campaign manifesto and based on the research conducted, Agege residents are facing surmountable problems. How we can improve on the amenities that the council is providing. these are issues that we have looked into. When all these are addressed, we can begin to see what we call new Agege. And by the grace of God, when elected as the council chairman, these are part of the things people are to see from the administration.

    “Given my record in grassroots mobilisation which I learned from my late father and for those who know my late father, they know that he was a grassroots mobiliser. We want people to enjoy the dividend of democracy. The only way you can enjoy the dividend of democracy is to put the right person in the right position. I believe that I am the person who is eminently qualified for the position.

    The aspirant said his chance of winning the election was very bright, noting that his father’s reputation would count for him.

    “One of the advantages that I enjoy is that the name Jafojo is a house hold name in Agege. One of the things that we did is that we started our campaign organization on September 2014 and we have not look back since then. We have engaged in different programmes to create the awareness in the council. In the last election, we were heavily involved in the Presidential campaign, I was fortunate to be the coordinator for campaign for change.

    “The group campaigned on behalf of the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. We were able to do a lot of grassroots mobilization by providing them with the T-shirts, face caps and other souvenirs. We have been meeting in different wards; a lot of executive members have been involved in our discussion with the people.

    The aspirant said he was fit to rule because of his pedigree. He said: “Personally, I am well known in Agege because somebody like my father would say if you were contesting, the first place you go to is the grassroots. One of my advantages like that of my father is the ability to mobilise the grassroots.

    Jafojo maintained that his experience and exposure put him in a vantage position to implement laudable programmes for the council.

    “I studied abroad. I studied at Mitchell University, Atlanta, Georgia. When I came back, I worked with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Abuja. It is a parastal under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. My position at that time was the Chief Admin Officer, the third man in my department. If you take my director, the assistant director, I was the third man on the hierarchy. By virtue of that task, I strongly believe that somebody at that position is very well prepared for the position of a local government chairman.

    “While I was there, we were involved in different programmes. Of course, one of the programmes that come to mind was that of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM). I was part of the Central Working Committee (CWC).

    Jafojo noted that he was committed to the contest in view of his believe that he would emerge successful, adding that his relations with non-indigene will add value to the contest.

    “I am very popular and my family name is a household name. Within my own base, Ward B for example, my women leader is a Hausa woman. Among our members, you find lots of Hausa people. I strongly believe that we all have to work together for the advancement of local government. My people will say one hand cannot wash itself, so we must put hands together to achieve that. I work with a lot of non indigene and I believe that with unity we can achieve a better Agege.

    “I believe the party will conduct free and fair primary. Again, I have structure which I believe will make them choose me as the person who will be the next chairman of Agege local government.”

    Jakande said he will lift Ojuwoye Council to a greater height by implementing progressive programmes which his father is noted for.

    He promised to harness the resource in the area to develop the council and make it a model in Lagos.

    Olusi said Lagos Island West will grow from strenght to strenght under his leadership, promising to motivate the private sector to invest in the development of the council.

  • ‘Why Jakande is still a reference point’

    ‘Why Jakande is still a reference point’

    Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola Jakande, wife of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, is 70 today. In this interview with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the former First Lady explains how she met the eminent politician, his style in office and his triumphs over political vicissitudes.

    How do you feel celebrating 70?

    I feel great celebrating 70 years. I am so happy for the wonders God has done in my life. I cannot say anything other than thank God for His mercy upon my life. I thank God for saving my life in moments of difficulties and for giving me the grace to be 70 years. I pray that God will continue to uphold me and protect me from any evil.

    How did you meet your husband?

    I met him at Ibadan, in the home of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while I was working with Mama HID Awolowo. When he approached me for marriage, I consulted with Mama Awolowo and they gave me their consent because they knew him very well. He is a man they trusted. Though he was a journalist, that was not what attracted him to me. It was his closeness to the Awolowo family. He was like a son to them; they knew his quality and honesty of purpose. I did not have any difficulty in accepting his proposal because Mama Awolowo gave him a pass mark.

    Did you ever imagine that he would be great in life?

    Whatever any one will be in life, it will be in accordance with destiny. God is the one that can specify the extent people can go in life. Nobody can be categorical on what will happen later in life. When he was a journalist, he used to visit the Tribune Office, Ibadan every week. I never knew whether he would become a governor or minister. But, one thing happened. We got married and we have been living together.

    When he became governor, how did you feel?

    I am a simple person by nature and up till now, I am still a simple person. I have not become arrogant simply because my husband became governor. My husband and I lead a simple life. When he was governor, we allowed everybody unrestricted access to our house. We accommodated everybody, irrespective of tribe. Our house was home to Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other tribes. We still maintain the same style up till now. This place you are conducting this interview was the same place we lived when he was governor and that is where we are still living. You don’t need to fill any form or observe certain protocols before you access our place. There was a police officer attached to Alhaji Jakande. he drew the attention of Alhaji to the fact that he needed to restrict people because of the way they freely came to see him. But, Alhaji told him that the people voted for him and he could not prevent them from seeing him. That was how he handled the matter. People are still commending him for his style of government, which allowed people to freely see him. They have continued to pray for him. they said he did well as governor of Lagos. Last week, when we went to Lagos Island in preparation for my birthday, a woman told Alhaji that no administration can compare with his. We did not harass anybody and he was a simple man. For four years, we remained in this house when he was governor. We accommodated people and up till now, people are still coming for help.

    How did you cope with the life of the wife of a politician whereby your husband never had the time to attend to issues at home?

    I never took this thing seriously. So, nobody will say that Alhaja is not good. Just as he was busy, I was equally meeting people who desired attention. Whoever came looking for Alhaji was given the seat to wait for him, if it was not urgent. I did my bit to give him the necessary support.

    How did you feel when the military sacked your husband as governor and he was not allowed to complete his tenure?

    We did not carry this thing on our head. I was here when the military came knocking my doors. The security man came knocking my door. I asked him what was the matter, but he could not respond. I initially thought it was armed robbers that came. The soldiers had gone to the nearby police station to ask for the residence of my husband. When the police showed them our house, they could not believe that Jakande would be living in that type of apartment they saw. They did not meet Alhaji at home because he went to Badagry. We tried to reach Alhaji, not knowing that all the soldiers had disconnected communication lines. So, I started moving from one place to the other in search of Alhaji. It was on my way back home, I saw his driver, who told me that Alhaji was taken to the Ikeja Cantonment. When I met him there, he asked me to bring for him clothes, food and praying mat. I went there and met him. He told me that the soldiers had done their home work and found that it was only him among other governors who never travelled abroad during their tenure. It was true. It was only Alhaji who did not travel outside the country during the fours year of his administration. They told him at the cantonment that we should not worry, that no harm would be done to him. The late General Sani Abacha even asked his wife to make provision for the feeding of Jakande while at the cantonment.

    He was detained for 18 months. how did you cope with the situation?         

    I had to be strong during the period. I was not feeling bad because I knew he did nothing wrong. He did well as a governor; there was no misconduct of any form. He was a hard working man who did his best for the state. Even, when the wives of the commissioners visited me, I attended to them the same way I am doing right now. I was fully convinced that my husband would be free because he did commit any crime. I took food to him and whatever I prepared for him, he ate. Up till now, he does not have a particular choice of food he eats at any point in time. So, I simply prepare good food for him that he will like up till today. He is not a problem to me when it comes to eating.

    At a time, Jakande wanted to be President of Nigeria. Did you feel bad that the dream did not come true?

    I did not feel bad for any reason. The first day he broke the news to me that he wanted to contest for the President of Nigeria, it came as shock. Lawyer Awotesu came to our house and wanted to find out from me whether Alhaji wanted to contest for the President of Nigeria? He said they would not allow Chief Olu Falae to contest. I told him Alhaji was not contesting because I knew he does not have the money. If you want to contest for any position in Nigeria, you must have plenty money. And we don’t have money. But, I cannot say we are poor. All that I know is that anything you intend to do in Nigeria, you must have money. But, three days after, on Sunday morning, Alhaji called me and told me that he wanted to run for the President. It was like someone hit the hammer on my head. I asked him about the money. He said he has no money, but his love for the country was propelling him to serve. He said Nigeria was like a cracked wall and if it is allowed to go on like that, it would collapse and when that happened, nobody will be able get it standing. If people like Baba Awolowo were to be around, he would have urged Baba to go and contest for the third time. He said he would not want God to blame him for not utilising the knowledge he gave him. The day he broke the news I had headache, I told him people will mock him because he does not have the kind of money. He went to see General Ibrahim Babangida and gave him his plan of action. Babangida commended him for his ideas and he travelled across the country to sell his manifesto. Babangida later aborted the transition programme. So, nothing bothered me about the whole exercise. He wanted to serve and he never planned to go there to look for money. Since that is the case, I was not disappointed about it. If he was allowed to run, he could have done more than what he achieved in Lagos.

    Afenifere blamed him for not resigning as Minister under Abacha. How did you feel when this happened?

    I am not afraid of anybody. I know all the Afenifere peoples’ condition and character. When Alhaji wanted to be a minister, Senator Adefuye and General Oladipo Diya came to see Alhaji that Chief M.K.O Abiola asked them to see Alhaji. It was Abiola himself that nominated Alhaji for the Minister of Works and Housing because of his performance in Lagos State. He said they did not want to make Chief Bola Ige minister. that was why Chief Ebenezer Babatope was used to replace Ige. Mama Mobolaji Osomo was nominated by Papa Adekunle Ajasin for ministerial position. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Abiola himself came here and met Alhaji. Alhaji asked Abiola what about June 12, Abiola said there was no problem. After their discussion and immediately they left, Alhaji called all the local government chairmen of Lagos State and they were here. I made breakfast for all of them. Alhaji briefed them about what transpired and they put what was discussed to vote. It was only Bayo Osiyemi that objected and Alhaji said majority carried the vote. He accepted to serve as minister. Those shouting that Alhaji did not allow Abacha to release Abiola were not making honest statement. When Abiola was informed that he would be placed on house arrest, Alhaji persuaded him to accept the condition because they cannot harm him under house arrest. But, some people misadvised Abiola and put him into problem and he never accepted house arrest. The people who misadvised him are the Afenifere. The Oba of Lagos even castigated the people who misadvised him and said they had no common sense. If Alhaji had resigned, they probably would have killed him. But, nobody came here to tell Alhaji that he should leave the government for one reason or the other. Nobody can say Alhaji is a bad man or corrupt politician. He is a honest and hard working man. You can depend on him. even, Alhaji Shehu Shagari said if only Alhaji became a member of his cabinet, he would be happy. Alhaji and Baba Awolowo never quarreled. The people that are not honest, who are bent on getting something are the ones trying to destroy his name. The quality of Alhaji is there and nobody can take that away from him. I am not trying to over praise him, but what I know is that he will not think of evil about anybody. Even, when you come to report someone to Alhaji that such a person is insulting him, Alhaji will not say anything, until he sees that person and ask him.

    What is your assessment of women participation in politics?

    I must say what a man can do, a woman can also do. Women are now fighting for positions in government. And if any government must fill five positions, let women occupy at list two slots from the five. We are the one working for them to attain any position they want to attain. Besides, women are more than men, in terms of number. My advice to women politicians to participate well and accommodate shades of opinion in their areas. They should consider what people will say after leaving office.

  • Jakande seeks more funding for education

    Jakande seeks more funding for education

    Governments at all levels need to improve their spending on education if the country must attain development, Lagos State Governor in the Second Republic Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande said yesterday.

    He spoke at the Founders’ Day of Ilogbo Higher School, Ebute Metta.

    Jakande, who established the school and others in 1981 as governor, lamented that poor funding is the bane of the education sector.

    He explained that the falling standard of education is a serious concern to him because of his interest in education.

    The elder statesman urged the government to do more on education because no society could be better without quality education.

    Jakande hailed the alumni of Ilogbo High School for honouring him with an award as part of activities to mark the 35 years of the school’s existence.

    Ministry of Education District IV Tutor-General Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite hailed the alumni association for contributing to the school’s growth.

    She called on old students of other schools to emulate the Ilogbo Higher School’s alumini because government alone could no longer fund education.

    The headteacher, Mrs. Bertrice Efole, hailed the old boys for remembering their source.

    President of Ilogbo Alumni Association Lateef Adigun said the event was organised to give back some of what they gained from the school.

    The old students donated 120 desks and chairs and newly built toilet to the school.

    Adigun said the association planned more classrooms for the school.

     

     

  • Jakande seeks more funding for education

    Governments at all levels need to improve their spending on education if the country must attain development, Lagos State Governor in the Second Republic Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande said yesterday.

    He spoke at the Founders’ Day of Ilogbo Higher School, Ebute Metta.

    Jakande, who established the school and others in 1981 as governor, lamented that poor funding is the bane of the education sector.

    He explained that the falling standard of education is a serious concern to him because of his interest in education.

    The elder statesman urged the government to do more on education because no society could be better without quality education.

    Jakande hailed the alumni of Ilogbo High School for honouring him with an award as part of activities to mark the 35 years of the school’s existence.

    Ministry of Education District IV Tutor-General Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite hailed the alumni association for contributing to the school’s growth.

    She called on old students of other schools to emulate the Ilogbo Higher School’s alumini because government alone could no longer fund education.

    The headteacher, Mrs. Bertrice Efole, hailed the old boys for remembering their source.

  • Lagos hasn’t let me down, says Jakande

    Lagos hasn’t let me down, says Jakande

    First civilian governor of Lagos State Lateef Jakande yesterday said he was pleased with the government’s efforts to provide quality education.

    Jakande, whose administration from 1979 to 1983 provided free primary and secondary education and built over 300,000 classrooms, said he was satisfied that the seed he sowed had blossomed.

    Addressing pupils of Unique Blossom School, Ikorodu, during a visit to his Ilupeju, Lagos home, he said: “I must commend the Lagos State government for carrying on the battle.

    “Akinwunmi Ambode, who succeeded Babatunde Fashola, has been carrying on the work which he did and I must say I’m very happy that the seed I sowed has germinated into a big tree.”

    Jakande advised the pupils to obey their teachers and follow their hearts.

    “The future is yours. Nigeria is a great country and there is hope for every child,” he added.

    The children, who were led by the proprietress, Mrs Abimbola Animasaun and several teachers, presented the former governor a portrait done by one of their teachers.

    Mrs. Animasaun said the excursion was motivated by the children’s quest to know the person behind Lagos landmarks, such as Jakande Estate and Jakande Bus Stop, among others.

    “So, I said since Baba is alive, they should see him for themselves and have memories that’ll last them for a lifetime,” she added.

    During the question and answer session, a pupil, Ademiji Theophilus, asked the 86-year-old if he would accept a political appointment.

    Laughing, Jakande replied: “At my age, I can only counsel the Buhari government.”

     

     

  • Stories about corruption these days make one sick -Jakande

    Stories about corruption these days make one sick -Jakande

    He has his footprints all over Lagos State. Everywhere you go, from Badagry to Epe, Ajah to Isolo, his name resonates on the lips of the multitude of residents of the popular Jakande estates,one of the major achievements of the four-year tenure of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983.

    More than 33 years after leaving office as governor of the state, Alhaji Jakande, fondly called Baba kekere by his followers, still derives joy in seeing his numerous legacies on the streets of Lagos.

    In this brief encounter with the former governor in his home in Lagos, he said: “I am very grateful to God Almighty that He used me to make some progress and to address some problems of the day. Education was my priority. Housing was another area. And I feel grateful to God in these areas I was able to make appreciable contributions. For instance, there is hardly any occasion that someone would not come to me to say they went to my school. I really thank God for giving me that opportunity and I am happy about it.”

    Speaking on the worrying state of corruption in the country, especially as witnessed among politicians in the last eight years, Jakande said the nation needs to call on God to save the country from the scourge.

    He said:“Let me tell you, all the stories that one reads and hears about stealing and corruption in the country make one sick. It is a betrayal of the country and I feel very sorry about it.  I feel very, very sorry about it. There is absolutely no reason for it. I just hope that God, in His mercy, will save us.”

    On President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort to turn around the nation’s economy, Jakande said, based on the president’s record when he was a military head of state, he believes that he will succeed in his new responsibility.

    “I know Buhari when he  was in office as a military head of state. And I have the belief that he will achieve success in his position. He has set himself against corruption and I believe he will succeed,”he said.

    He described as unfortunate, the spate of rancour between governors and their deputies, as witnessed in the last 16 years, and expressed surprise over the trend.

    He said: “How can a governor and his deputy fight? Before the election, appointments must have been resolved, to which both the governor and the deputy are committed. I feel very surprised that such thing could happen. They must have discussed what to do, where to go and where not to go. But I believe that they will learn.”

    Of his former deputy, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, who passed on recently, Jakande described his death as a big loss.

    “A few days before his death, we met at a function. Chief Jafojo was a dependable ally. He was somebody I trusted a lot and he was a hard worker. I pray that his soul is blessed by the  Almighty,”he said.

    With the many legacies that are being attributed to him, what would he wish to be remembered for? The old man did not waste time before shooting back: “Service to humanity! I would love to be remembered that I came and I served my people.”

    Asked if he has any regret, he said: “No regret at all. I have no regret and if  I have to do all the things that I did all over again, I would do them the same way.”

    Approaching 90, Alhaji Jakande’s routine remains tight as it used to be in his younger days. On this day, the sparsely-furnished waiting room in his home was filled with people waiting to see the octogenarian, each with one request or the other.

    Surprisingly, it took the old man a few minutes to climb unaided to the second floor where his office is located. On his table was a huge file which he  flipped through with deep concentration. Aside from the crowd of people waiting to see him,  on the cards for the day was a meeting of the board of his company, John West Publishing.

    Asked how he copes, he looked up from studying the file, a little smile on his face. “You walked right into it. At least you can see the people waiting to see me. I also have a meeting with the board of John West, which is my company. These are part of my daily routine,” he said with another bright smile.

    For a former governor and a prominent politician with influence in Lagos State, Jakande’s Spartan lifestyle is a far departure from that of modern politicians. From the waiting room in his house to the reception in his office, there was no sign of modern furniture, except for a few tables and chairs.

    A consummate journalist, Jakande said he fell in love with the art of writing while in school. According to him, “At school, I was fond of  writing a lot.  My teachers thought that  was my calling and I agreed with them. That was how I came into the profession.”

  • Day Jakande, Tinubu, others wished KLM 70 gbosas

    Day Jakande, Tinubu, others wished KLM 70 gbosas

    The book’s title speaks volumes: The Balogun Institution in Yorubaland: Changing Fortunes of a Military Institution. Its presentation was in honour of a former Commissioner of Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak ( also known as KLM), who turned 70 on Sunday. Razak is Balogun General of Epe.

    The book, edited by two historians, Oluwasegun Jimoh and Philip Oloruntola, situates the Balogun debate, tracing the influence of the Balogun in the pre-colonial era to date.

    The event, which took place at the MUSON Centre, Lagos was witnessed by former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande and his wife Abimbola. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by a former Minister of Defence, Demola Seriki. Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Ganiyu Olawale Solomon, past chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Chief Tayo Oyemade, Chief Biodun Martins and past Chairman of Island Club,  Prince Ademola Dada were also present.

    Also at the event were former Lagos State Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Hon Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, among others.

    Razak, who is the President of Epe Club, said: “I feel happy and fulfilled. I thank God for being kind to me. It has been a journey of 70 years and I don’t have any regret. I think it is good to leave a record, if you don’t put down record, people will never know you passed through it.

    “I know I’m going to pass away in that biological sequence and I know the book will remain for long. Those who come across the book in future, will know one Balogun chose to collate record; history of what Balogun was, what Balogun should be and what the future should look like.

    “As a community leader, the role the activists play at ensuring that there is good governance, nobody is cheated, fundamental human rights are allowed, those are the kind of things Balogun should do since we don’t have a war situation where you try to expand your territory. Baloguns should see themselves as frontliners when it comes to fighting for the rights of the people.

    “In those days Obas were in government while Baloguns were the military. Now, it is the president that is in charge and we have the ministry of defence and the generals and we are in the background. We can only encourage and pass information to them to be able to do their job.

    “We must educate our people and sensitise them and at the time, criticise the government; but it must be constructive. These are the roles of Baloguns now, defenders of people’s rights from time to time and must assist for good governance. The enabling environment then is no longer there now. What the Balogun should be doing is in the book, it is good for scholars and students of History.”

    In a lecture, a Professor of Islamic Affairs, Afis Ayinde Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, who spoke on the topic “Leadership in the Season of Change”,  said: “What the scions of contemporary Nigerian politics, such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu actually did in the days leading to the last elections was to play the role of the chief. They guided the huge energy in the Nigerian masses to that in which lay their fortune.”

    He added: “Put differently, leaders in the season of change in this country would likely agree with the proposition that the phenomenon of change happened on the Nigerian landscape simply because the ordinary masses were ready to act as change agents; that ordinary Nigerians are de facto custodians, not passive onlookers in power-politics.

    “Before the season of change, one thing over which Nigerians were unanimous about was that this nation lacked a leader who would and could inspire it. It felt as if we were short of heroes. To say Nigeria is a land without heroes is to bring to mind Aeschylus, the great Greek philosopher who posited that the land without a hero is a very unhappy land indeed.”

    He expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would meet the people’s aspirations.

    Tinubu said Nigerian leaders in the past few years were operating on parochial interests.

    Tinubu added that with the advent of APC’s leadership under Buhari, a change to revitalise the economy and bring infrastructure to world-class standard would be witnessed. He believes the President possesses the right qualities to reposition the country.

  • Ambode, Jakande to students: future in your hands

    Ambode, Jakande to students: future in your hands

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the state’s first Executive Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande have challenged secondary school leavers to aim for the best in their academic pursuit.

    The duo enjoined them to stay focused and not be distracted.

    They spoke during the presentation of 250 Free GCE forms to indigent students of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area at the council secretariat, Ilupeju, Lagos.

    Jakande expressed happiness that the free education introduced during his regime is gaining more acceptability.

    “We never believe that the policy (free education) could go far but we that God that what we started then is being embrace by the populace,” he said.

    He hailed the council’s Executive Secretary Rasaq Ajala for investing in the youths.

    Ambode who was represented by Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Mrs Olabisi Ariyo said the exercise was borne out of the realisation of the importance of education in the development of the people.

    “Since education has been identified as the greatest weapon against poverty, we must do everything within our means to ensure that no child is denied access to education on the basis of his or her socio-economic background,” he said.

    The governor assured Lagosians of his administration’s commitment to providing qualitative education at all levels.

    “It is therefore necessary to appeal to parents to secure the future of their children and themselves by not engaging them in street trading during school hours. This is against the provisions of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State.

    “To the beneficiaries of these Free GCE forms, I enjoin you all to show appreciation by performing well in your examinations through hard work. This is the only way you can make the council and your parents proud,” he said.

    Ajala said the gesture was an evidence that the council is progressing.

    He said: “We are very much conversant with the maxim that education is the best legacy you can bequeath to a soul but the factors militating against it left much to be desired. One major hindrance why many of our youths have unfulfilled dream is because of their inability to meet up with the financial demands of their academic. In this wise, we decided to assist these youths to realise their potentials. We believed so much in the power of knowledge. Education liberates the mind, inspires confidence and gives the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the society.”

    He said the council went through a painstaking process before embarking on the gesture, appealing to the beneficiaries to see it as a golden opportunity to pursue their life time dream.

    “My esteemed students, you must take your academics serious so that you can use it as a tool to free yourself from the shackles of poverty, ignorance, disease and all sorts of vicious vices. You must also inculcate excellent moral such that your immediate community can vouch for you. Do not be swayed by unproductive activities that neither add value nor bring progress to you. The future is yours; therefore I implore you to make maximum use of any worthy opportunity that comes your way. You must see yourself as good ambassadors of this council. We want that stereotyped mindset to change. We want Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye to be projected positively in the committee of Local Councils through your academic achievement and impeccable character,” he said.