BY DEJI DANIELS
GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Thursday, officially announced the passing of the first Civilian Governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Jakande, fondly called Baba Kekere, died on Thursday, after a brief illness, at the age of 91.
Sanwo-Olu described the late Jakande as an outstanding politician and public administrator.
In a statement announcing the former Minister’s demise, Sanwo-Olu said, “With gratitude to God for a worthy life well spent in the service of Lagos State, Nigeria and humanity, I announce the death of a venerable statesman, outstanding politician, public administrator and the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.”
In the same vein, the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has described the passing of Jakande at this time as a colossal loss.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of APC in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, the party said, “The Lagos State APC mourns the passage of the elder statesman, an administrator par excellence and the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
“His passage at this time is a colossal loss, not only to the progressive family, but also the entire state and our nation in general.
“His landmark achievements as an astute administrator in the governance of Lagos State in the areas of education, housing, health-care and social infrastructure remain enduring legacies in his memory.
“His demise at this trying time in the history of our nation when his rich experience would’ve been handy to resolve our national challenges is regrettable.
“We pray that Almighty Allah will forgive his short-comings, grant him eternal rest and the entire family, immediate and political, the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
