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Tag: Jakande

  • Ambode, Jakande to students: aim for the best

    Ambode, Jakande to students: aim for the best

    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.

  • Osun: Don’t set Nigeria on fire – Jakande

    Osun: Don’t set Nigeria on fire – Jakande

    The first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, has warned those in position of authority to be wary of actions that could lead to chaos in the country.

    Jakande bemoaned the “militarization of democratic process” as witnessed in Ekiti State and now in Osun, describing it as unfortunate.

    The veteran journalists said never in the history of the nation has election been so tense as the case of Osun governorship election.

    “Electorate should be allowed to freely choose their leader without molestation, inducement or harassment. The idea of deploying large number of security operatives is wrong and should not be encouraged. It discourage electorate from discharging their duty and gives room for impunity,” he said

    akande asserted that those heating the polity do not love Nigeria.

    Nigerians, he warned, should beware of desperate politicians who want to win election at all cost.

    He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to maintain its neutrality at all times, saying that allegations of connivance with particular political party is not good for the integrity of the commission.

    Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described as appalling, soldiers’ appear in hoods in Osun State at a time when the state is soaked in election tension.

    MURIC said, “Soldiers in hoods can be anybody – fake security officials, political thugs, Boko Haram insurgents or Niger Delta militants. Anything is possible.”

  • When Ilupeju celebrated Jakande at 85

    When Ilupeju celebrated Jakande at 85

    Thirty-one years after his tenure as first elected governor of Lagos State was abruptly ended by a military coup, the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande remains a reference point for subsequent administrations in the state. This was reiterated again last week at a lecture to mark his 85th birthday. OZIEGBE OKOEKI was there.

    When the first executive governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande turned 85 last week, not a few were there to celebrate and rejoice with the man better known as Baba Kekere or Action Governor of Lagos in the second republic.

    Though various activities were held to commemorate the birthday of the Octogenarian politician by family, friends, associates and colleagues in the journalism profession, one of the standout events of the near week-long celebration was a lecture put together by the Ilupeju community where he resides, to celebrate a man that has brought honour, fame and glory to them.

    Under the auspices of the Greater Ilupeju Association, the  special birthday lecture which took place at the Ilupeju Recreation Hall had in attendance prominent stakeholders and other residents of the community, including the Onipeju of Ilupeju, Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson,  (vice chairman of the association) other Ilupeju residents  and well-wishers from outside Ilupeju.

    Two papers titled ‘Leadership, good governance and development: the Jakande legacies’ by Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, a former lecturer in Lagos state University and now of the Department of History, Osun State University,and  ‘Progressive governance in Lagos state, LKJ in retrospect’, by Prince Oluyole Olusi, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Central Senatorial District Leader were delivered at the occasion.

    Both lecturers agreed in their presentations that the records and achievements of  Alhaji  Jakande as governor of the state remain a reference point in the history of governance in Nigeria and Africa. They specifically mentioned his landmark achievements in education, housing, transportation, infrastructure and style of governance.

    According to Oyeweso, “Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s administration in Lagos state is a reference point for purposeful leadership, good governance and effective service delivery. It was an administration that recognised the needs and aspirations of the people, especially the poor. It was also an administration guided by such values as financial discipline, prudent management and knack for excellence”.

    And Olusi who was represented by Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, chairman of Apapa Local Government said, “as manifested in the progressive developmental achievements recorded in Lagos state, within a record time of four years only, LKJ set a standard for all progressives in Africa to emulate. The records and achievements of LKJ have become a reference point in the history of governance in Nigeria. The landmark achievements in housing, education and road construction are still topical. They dominate discussions, debates and articles in the press, radio and television even after over 30 years that the great LKJ ceased to be governor”, Olusi said.

    He described Jakande’s style of governance as all inclusive, “allowing all vital sectors in governance (to) have effective say by holding regular consultative meetings with civil servants. All programmes of the government and proposed government legislations were tabled and discussed as well. It was the supreme people parliament of the period”, Olusi said.

    Oyeweso said that in spite of the problem of leadership and governance that is plaguing the country, Jakande remains one of the few leaders Nigeria has produced “whose sterling qualities and records of achievement can serve as compass for the promotion of purposeful leadership, good governance and development in the nation. He was in charge of the administration of Lagos state between 1979 and 1983, and throughout this period he implemented several landmark programmes that ensured that the state would continue to be the centre of excellence, laying examples for others to follow”, the Professor said, adding that, “at a time when the country needs a leader to reposition it for national greatness, a person in the mode of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande should be considered. More than ever before, there is need to regain the legacies of purposeful leadership and good governance as epitomised by Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande”.

    While extolling the virtues of the elder statesman, Chairman of the occasion, businessman Sir Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu who was represented by Dr. Yemi Ajayi said, “Your Excellency Sir, at 85, you still look strong and willing to continue to serve. It is therefore my greatest joy to stand here today and join others in wishing you many happy returns of the day and more useful contributions to the development of Nigeria in the years ahead. This country definitely needs more strong-willed heroes of your type who are genuinely concerned with the future of Nigeria. You are indeed a true leader whose life of exemplary service is worthy of emulation by all who desire progress for our country,” he said.

    According to Adebutu, Jakande is a man of uncommon pedigree. “He has a Midas touch and has worked hard over the years to consistently leave a mark behind anywhere he found himself. This is one unique quality possessed by Champions all over the world.

    “As executive governor, he impacted on the lives of Lagos residents and for this effort he was acknowledged by all as a great achiever. He was regarded then and still seen till today as a man of the people who is adored and respected by people of different shades and persuasion because of his commitment to the common good.

    Adebutu who gave Jakande a N5million cheque as birthday gift added that, “any country without men like Alhaji Jakande who possesses the necessary zeal and commitment to make things work for the good of all, is a country without a future. The man we are celebrating here today is a highly focused administrator who probably came before his time

    Also speaking the Onipeju of Ilupeju, Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips said Ilupeju is blessed to have “the most important governor of the state of excellence residing here. He was the first executive governor of the state and made a mark that has not been surpassed by any other, he is the chairman of Greater Ilupeju Association”.

    The lecture, Bisade-Phillips said was to promote Jakande’s ideals “which have not been surpassed by any government in Lagos. Ideals so much important and effective that there is need to keep having them in  day to day living and pass them on to yet unborn children for the betterment of Lagos and Nigeria. It (lecture) is an history making event and will remain a yearly event henceforth,” he said.

    Responding Jakande thanked the Association and everybody present for celebrating him, he prayed for continuous progress for the state and Nigeria. He expressed joy, happiness and excitement that such a celebration would be held in his honour, “I never envisaged the turnout, I never believed I would sit down in 2014 to listen to people saying they attended Jakande school. When we started it people said it could not be done but thank God today we are seeing a success story”, he said.

    The occasion was also used to inaugurate the Organising Committee of the Jakande lecture series which Bisade-Phillips said will henceforth be a yearly event meant to protect the ideals of Jakande. The members of the committee are: Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips -Co-ordinator, Chief J.O. Shobayo -Chairman, Evangelist Bunmi O. Kupoluyi -Secretary, other members are Deaconess E.F. Agboola, Hon. Babs Larinde, Mrs. Omolara Vaughan and Chief Silva Aderotimi.

  • Jakande: NUJ honours Nigeria’s media icon at 85

    Jakande: NUJ honours Nigeria’s media icon at 85

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists last week celebrated Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, a man whose contributions to the profession arguably transcends that of any other Nigerian, with a book presentation and a bash. Gboyega Alaka, who was at the event, reports.

    It was a day to honour and revel in governmental nostalgia last Wednesday as the Nigerian Union of Journalists honoured the man Lateef Kayode Jakande at 85. The event, which doubled as a book launch, witnessed the presentation of the book, Jakande: Fountain of Excellence (Celebrating Journalism Icon @ 85).

    Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a former civilian governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, is reputed to be one of the founding fathers of Nigerian journalism, and the union, under the leadership of Comrade ‘Deji Elumoye, deemed it befitting to honour him with the book, which captures his life and times, both as a selfless journalist, and as a politician of unrivalled quality and achievements.

    Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the occasion, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who himself is a journalism icon, described Alhaji Jakande as the ‘Grandfather of Nigerian Journalism,’ tracing his days at the Daily Service, Daily Express through to The Nigerian Tribune, where he rose to become Managing Editor, and by implication, a close associate of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He also spoke of his instrumental role in co-founding the Nigerian Union of Journalists; his role in founding the Nigerian Guild of Editors; how he founded the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and how as a member of the International Press Institute, IPI, he became the first black African president of the association, comprising publishers and editors of reputable publications around the world.

    Osoba also recalled how Jakande brought the IPI to Nigeria, in cooperation with the University of Lagos, to train budding journalists.

    TheSpeaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who presented the book, described Alhaji Jakande as a pathfinder, without whose efforts the developments currently being witnessed across Lagos would not have been possible. He spoke of how the former governor opened up the Lekki-Epe axis, which is now rated the most expensive corridor in West Africa. He also spoke of how as a young man, he and other folks from his home-town in Epe used to travel roughly three hours to get to Lagos on a free-traffic day.

    In appreciating Jakande’s contribution to education, Ikuforiji spoke of how he miraculously condensed the previous three-session a day school system to a single session and instituted a successful free education at all levels; something the previous military regime had said was not possible. He also lauded him for taking the initiative to establish public schools across the nooks and crannies of the state, even in high-brow areas of Victoria Island and Ikoyi, asking almost rhetorically that: “Which governor will go and get a piece of land to build a public school in Ikoyi these days?”

    Alhaji Jakande was co-founder, treasurer and patron of the Nigerian Union of Journalists. Aside co-founding and being the first president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, he was also co-founder and served as a two term president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria. Jakande was also co-founder and first chairman of the Nigerian Press Organisation; founder of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and first Chairman of its Board of Governors (1970-1979) and chairman of its Board of Trustees till date.

    Jakande is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, member of the International Federation of Journalists; first and only African president of the IPI; member of the International Federation of Publishers; member, International Broadcast Institute; member International Association for Mass Communications Research; Founder, and National Secretary of the National Press Club of Nigeria between 1970 and 1979; member, Commonwealth Press Union;  First Chairman, World Press Freedom Committee (1974) and member, Committee on the Future of the Nigerian Press (1968).

    Jakande was also Managing Director of Allied Newspapers Limited, publishers of a chain of eight provincial newspapers spread across the country.

  • Fashola, Osoba, Ikuforiji celebrate Jakande at 85

    Fashola, Osoba, Ikuforiji celebrate Jakande at 85

    It was a glorious day for the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, when Governor Babatunde Fashola, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba and associates converged on Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos to celebrate his birthday. He turned 85 yesterday.

    At the occasion, a book titled:  “Jakande: Fountain of Excellence” was presented. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council sponsored the publication.

    Aremo Osoba described Jakande as a legend of journalism. He said Jakande was co-founder of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), co-founder and first President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and co-founder and twice President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN),

    The former governor also lauded Jakande’s leadership quality when he abolished in one fell swoop the shift system in Lagos public schools on assumption of office as governor in 1979.

    Lagos State Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji described Jakande as an enigma, a colossus and a giant among men.

    Ikuforiji said no administration had surpassed what Jakande’s achieved in four years and three months as governor. He said it was the Jakande administration that built Lagos- Epe Road, Iba-LASU Road and Egbe-Idimu Road.

    He said: “He tarred more roads in Epe where I come from more than any governments after him. He built affordable houses all over the state that are today referred to as Jakande Estates. Old men like Baba  Jakande that served selflessly are not being respected because they are out of power; that is why we are in trouble today.”

    Ikuforiji, who was the book presenter, urged every Nigerian to get a copy.

    The book reviewer, Mr Gbile Oshadipe, a lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), described the subject as a role model, a great administrator and the champion of the people.

    Oshadipe said Jakande would be remembered for his laudable achievements in education and 16 housing estates known as Jakande estates he built across the state during his tenure as Governor of Lagos state.

    He is a humanist, trainer of journalists, global activist in journalism profession, consistent and transparent in his dealings. He remains the hero of our time, he added

    Lagos NUJ Chairman Deji Elumoye said Jakande’s biography is one in the series the council plans to write.

    NUJ National President Mallam Garba Mohammed noted that Jakande was a gifted writer whose factual editorials were respected in the days of colonial regime.

    Dignitaries at the event are Fashola, who was represented by Commissioner For Information Lateef Ibirogba, Governor  Ibikunle Amosun, represented by the Information Commissioner Yusuph Olaniyonu, the celebrant’s wife, Abimbola, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Regional Integration Rev Tunji Adebiyi  and a former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Adekunle Ali.

  • Jakande’s payback time for constituents

    Jakande’s payback time for constituents

    In one fell swoop, Hon. Ayodeji Jakande, a member of the House of Representatives and son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, distributed materials worth millions of naira to empower 500 people in his constituency, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Labib Ayodeji, is gradually stepping into his father’s shoes.

    Since his election in 2011, as member of the House of Representatives representing Somolu Federal Constituency, the young Jakande, has silently embarked on projects aimed at improving his constituents.

    With a state-of-the-art, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at CMS Primary School, training hundreds of youth, luxury buses conveying pupils to and from school, executing first phase of his ‘Operation hundred thousand books’ aimed at making 100,000 exercise books available free to school children and annual football competition, the lawmaker surely knows what it takes to keep young minds busy and focused.

    Also, to engage the adults, Hon. Jakande has built a Skill Acquisition Centre, where different vocational trainings are offered. Boreholes have also been provided in areas lacking potable water, while transformers have been given to at least four streets in Fadeyi, Bariga and Somolu to boost electricity supply in addition to the provision of street lights in six areas.

    As if these were not enough, on Thursday, February 20, Jakande empowered no fewer than 500 people at Baptist Academy School Grounds, Obanikoro.

    The event that coincided with his 44th birthday saw the beneficiaries turning out in large numbers, early enough to herald the commencement of the poverty alleviation and welfare programme.

    The materials distributed included grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, generating sets, tool boxes, deep freezers and cash.

    Hon. Jakande thanked the people for their supports and used the opportunity to present his score card.

    He thanked his father for his presence and pledged to maintain the integrity, pedigree and virtue which “our family name has earned and which our patriarch worked hard for. It is my fervent prayer that I uplift and maintain the height of my family name.”

    Jakande did not forget to thank the people of his constituency.

    “I am indebted to you and promise not only to surpass my father’s public service records but also to reward you for your overwhelming support to me at the general elections. You remain my hub around which I revolve at the National Assembly, hence the reason why we are gathered here today.

    “Since assumption of office, I have made it a personal duty to highlight a few democratic dividends for the peoples’ benefit and this will continue for long.”

    He rallied supports for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

    “May I at this juncture appreciate the effort of my mentor, the man who is for the total emancipation of the entire nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for helping me chart my political course and giving me renewed relevance with the people of Somolu. I also thank Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the support over the years. When people come into your life and make a difference, it is only proper to acknowledge God in them. I consider myself lucky.

    “I equally appreciate my leaders in APC, the party with the vision of making a great change in the history of this country,” he said.

    While lauding the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal’s leadership style, Jakande said his presence has fired up his passion for governance.

    “Mr Speaker Sir, your leadership style which I call ‘Borderless Politics’ is no doubt huge on my mind. I make bold to add that; since the advent of our democracy in 1999, you are the only Speaker truly with a Nigerian mandate and the good people of Somolu join me in thanking you for finding time out of your tight schedule to be with us. May you have your heart desires,” he prayed.

    Tambuwal, the special guest of honour, was full of praise for the father of the lawmaker, Alhaji Jakande, who was also present at the event.

    According to him, politicians all over the country should emulate the good works of the second republic governor of Lagos State.

    He hailed the young Jakande for his lofty ideals of presenting empowerment items to members of his constituency, describing the act as Godly and timely.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items as it was a way of not only eradicating poverty but also make them self-reliant.

    Excited by the gesture, an APC stalwart, Senator Anthony Adefuye, described the programme as timely.

    Adefuye, a one-time member of the National Assembly canvassed a second term tenure in the lower chamber for Hon Jakande.

    Alhaji Jakande thanked the Speaker for being a true Nigerian noting that no leader of the House of Representatives has ever been non-partisan in relating with people like Tambuwal. The statesman urged other leaders to emulate the Speaker.

  • Nigeria won’t break up, says Jakande

    The former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, on Thursday said Nigeria  would continue to grow stronger  rather than break up.

    Jakande said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 27th posthumous birthday celebration of Chief Obafemi Awolowo at Ikenne-Remo, Ogun.

    He called for concerted efforts toward the promotion of peace in the country.

    Jakande also advised Nigerians to desist from acts capable of stunting the nation’s development.

    “Peace building and unity should be our major pre-occupation to ensure socio-political and economic development of the country.

    “This is our country and we must not work against her sustainable growth and development.

    “If we keep doing the right thing, Nigeria will not break up as being predicted by some people. We will survive,” he said.

    Jakande eulogised the Awolowo family, saying politicians should learn to uphold the legacies of the late sage.

    “I feel it is good for a country that people who gave their service for its development thereof should be recognised and honoured.

    “Doing this will definitely help inspire the future generations to emulate same and promote  excellence,” he told NAN.

    Jakande commended government at all levels for their efforts and commitment to nation  building.

    The Anglican Bishop of  Zonkwa Diocese in  Kaduna State,  Rt. Rev. Jacob Kwashi, who delivered  the sermon at the  service,  called on politicians to promote tolerance and understanding.

    “For Nigeria to prosper, we must work tirelessly for its unity and progress, which starts by learning to be fair to one another.

    “This is irrespective of our religious differences;  we must continue to pray and work toward the strengthening of the nation’s unity,” Kwashi said.

    NAN reports that the event also witnessed the launching of a book in honour of Mrs Hannah Awolowo.

    The book is  entitled:  “ The Challenges of Womanhood, a Biography.’’

     

  • Osoba, Jakande urge media to be fearless

    Osoba, Jakande urge media to be fearless

    For the second time in the history of No. 3, Adeola Street, Somolu, the property pulled a crowd of influential Nigerians. The event was the turning of the sod of the multi-million naira guest house of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.

    Former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande took his steps slowly as he was guided through the crowd to turn the sod for the building of the Lagos NUJ guest house.

    He urged the contractor to complete the project on time and hailed the President of the Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina; the NUJ President Mohammed Garba and Lagos NUJ Chairman Deji Elumoye for keeping the union’s flag flying.

    Jakande said the media would wax stronger and take the country to greater heights.

    The first time eminent Nigerians gathered at No. 3, Adeola Street was when the NUJ secretariat was inaugurated in 1990. The old bungalow was demolished to pave way for a two-story guest house.

    Jakande was assisted by veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

    Osoba praised the Lagos NUJ leadership for being “progressive and cost-effective”.

    He said governments should learn how to manage resources from the Lagos NUJ, because this N74 million project would have been inflated, if the project belonged to the government.

    The former governor said: “Journalists have sacrificed a lot for this country. When the going was tough during the military dictatorship, a journalist from the north was the first to die. Before, journalists were seen as the dregs of the society. Today, nobody toys with a journalist.”

    He urged journalists to be courageous and determined in the face of intimidation.

    Osoba recalled Jakande’s passion for journalism, through his column, John West.

    Jakande established the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and built the NUJ property called the Light House, now known as Jakande House.

    Garba urged security agents to stop harassing journalists, adding that such practice was old fashioned and should only be seen during military dictatorship.

    He said: “We have attained a high level of development. Intimidation is old fashioned; it is out of place in a democracy. Suppression of the freedom of expression is bringing the country down.”

    Garba advocated close monitoring of the contents of publications and urged media organisations to guide against being used by politicians as the 2015 general election approaches.

    Elumoye said the guest house would have a car park, reception, restaurant and bar on the ground floor; 10 rooms on the first floor and 10 rooms on the second floor.

    The project, estimated to cost about N74 million, is to be completed in 12 months.

    Elumoye said it would be financed with the accrual of rent from Lagos NUJ property, a four-storey house named after Jakande on Victoria Island, and a bank loan.

    Former Lagos NUJ Secretary, now Deputy Managing Director of This Day, Mr. Kayode Komolafe urged the contractor to deliver the project as scheduled.

  • Jakande urges INEC to register APC

    Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Jakande, who spoke to reporters yesterday at the 37th anniversary of the National Committee of Friends (NCF) held at his residence, noted that INEC should register the newly merged political party to resolve the crisis that emanated from the party’s crisis of identity.

    Jakande, who is the grand patron of NCF said, INEC should do all within its power to resolve the matter amicably.

    He called on the Federal Government to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram group to nip the challenges of insecurity in the country in the bud.

    He said: “Boko Haram must first of all terminate its era of terrorism in the country, following which government should engage them in developmental programmes. ”

    He expressed the hope that the country would move forward if all things were done properly, citing the efforts of the Southwest Regional Integration as a step in the right direction.

    The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, said regional integration is part and parcel of the present global economic order which the country must embrace.

    Fashola said: “The re-awakening of regional integration as a basis for development of the regions in Nigeria is a welcome development and a right signal that a new mindset which encompasses a change in value, conviction and commitment.”

     

  • Jakande calls for state police

    House of Representatives member Mr. Deji Jakande has called for state police, saying that it wikll reduce insecurity in the country.

    The lawmaker from Somolu Constituency lamented the stiff opposition by some stakeholders, who he said, were out of tune with reality.

    Jakande, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, said state and community policy systems would safeguard life and property and boost public confidence.

    He said: “It is worrisome that governors who are chief security officers in the states cannot issue directives to the police in their states. We need to revisit this federal structure and devolve more powers to the states. The federal government is too power-loaded. This is not in consonance with the spirit of federalism.

    “My argument is that only those who have the knowledge of the environment can police the place adequately. Policement who understand the geography, sociology, language and tradition of the environment will police the place very well because they are also stakeholders”.