Lagos NUJ Honours Jakande at 90

Ololade Adeyanju/

Lagos State’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, was celebrated today by members of one of his constituencies, the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as he marked his 90 years birthday.

Alhaji Jakande was a beloved governor in Lagos from October 1979 to December 1983 when a coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari aborted his second term in office.

In a statement issued by the NUJ, the Chairman, Dr Qasim Akinreti described Jakande, who is an accomplished journalist, as a legendary, visionary and selfless politician whose legacies pervade the entire length and breadth of Lagos State.

The statement further says: “The Union noted that unlike many politicians who amassed stupendous wealth and resources after serving in many capacities and acquiring mansions and flashy cars, the octogenarian lives a modest life in retirement.

“The Union described the octogenarian as a model Journalist, Politician and Administrator par excellence who remains a reference point of governance in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

“The Union prays for long life for “Baba Kekere” as he is fondly called.”        

The NUJ Lagos Council had earlier presented a birthday card to Alhaji Jakande at his home in Ilupeju, Lagos.