It was a beautiful and befitting memorial, paying tributes to an icon and a celebrated legend in the media. It was a celebration of a man of the people that came with showers of encomium and eulogies from veteran journalists, renowned media professionals the prominent political actors across from the country, who gathered to pay tributes to a leading light, and first democratically elected governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. It was the maiden edition of the annual memorial lecture in honour of his contribution to journalism and good governance, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Mrs Jakande and family with Dr Femi Hamzat displaying a Commemorative Plaque

Themed” Lateef Jakande: The Man, His Journalism, His Politics, the event which held at Sheraton Hotel, was fully attended on a Monday morning. This underscore the importance Editors attach to the roles played by the man also described as the “Architect of New Lagos” for his contributions to the growth of Journalism in Nigeria and his commitment to press freedom as a journalist and his indelible marks when he transcended into political activism and became the first civilian governor of the state.

Born in 1929, Alhaji Lateef Jakande did become Lagos governor in his sojourn as a public servant, he was also appointed as the minister of works and housing under the military regime of the former head of state, Sani Abacha

Array of Guests at the event

Setting the ball rolling in his welcome speech, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba, told participants at the event that the lecture was organised to delve into various aspects of Lateef Jakande’s life, adding that it would also shed more lights on the achievements, leadership style and his impacts on Nigerian society

As the founding leader of the Guild of Editors, Mr Anaba further highlighted some of the role Alhaji Jakande played to establish Journalism bodies in the country and how he brought international recognition to Nigerian Journalism and media practices.

“He devoted his entire professional and political career to advancing values of liberty and social justice. He also exemplified the values of honesty, integrity, and fairness. He told the story of the powerless and held the powerful to account.

“He demonstrated commitment to our journalistic freedom and long-term survival. He started the Nigerian Guild of Editors in 1961 and he founded the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, he also founded the Nigerian Union of Journalists. He also held the International Press Institute in this country, talking about impacts.

A Cross section of journalists at the event

In his opening remarks, General Ike Nwachuku also eulogised the former governor for his commitment to the Journalism profession. He added that fairness created a landmark for media practitioners at the time to pursue their passion without fear and intimidation.

Speaking of Alhaji Jakande’s bravery and courage, Chief Felix Adenaike, the Guest Speaker, represented by Chief Bayo Oshiyemi, described him as “an elephant” who was consistent with his plans and execution.

He explained that the former governor was able to accumulate his achievements because of his tenacity in planning and appropriate executions, regardless of what it could be.

“We heard that Lateef Jakande, pioneer of this, pioneer of that, and taking a cue from a book written about Jakande as a man with plans, I will say that Jakande is a pioneer of plans. I will describe him as an elephant, everyone knows an elephant when you see one, but attempting to describe it is herculean and a fruitless exercise and I dare say that Alhaji Jakande is a man himself”, he said.

Aremo Olusegun Osoba Hails Jakande’s Humility and Humanitarianism

Another doyen of journalism, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, the former Governor of Ogun State celebrated the late Jakande for his humility and humanitarianism as a journalist and as a public officer, adding that the former governor established a “political clinic”, a consultation room for members of the public to meet him and express their concerns to him.

“He lived in his own house, drove his own car, and was a whole governor,” he said. “He will sit down in his conference room (at his residence) and listen to everybody before he goes to bed. I don’t think I have seen any governor that is as grass rooted as Alhaji Jakande.”

Prince Osoba also commended the state government for celebrating the first civilian governor the deserved celebration while he was alive and after his demise.

Why My Father Joined Abacha’s Government— Seyi Jakande

In his tribute to his father, Seyi Jakande, the son of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande described his father as a selfless man, who was transparent to the extent of not sharing the resources of the state with members of the family.

Delving into his decision to work as a minister under the military regime after the annulment of the 1993 June election, Mr. Seyi Jakande said it was against his father’s principles but the former governor was approached by Chief Moshood Abiola to take the role of the development of the country.

Despite Chief Abiola’s appeal, Mr. Seyi Jakande indicated that his father had to seek the opinions of his committee of friends who collectively supported his involvement with the military administration.

“The late Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory appealed to Alhaji Jakande to come and serve under the late head of state Sani Abacha,

“Alhaji Jakande was reluctant at first because this was against his policies, against his principles, but Chief MKO Abiola was adamant and insisted…you must accept.

“He took it to his committee of friends. As always he always put things through the democratic process, and they put a vote to it. I think about 99.9% of them supported, saying must join the cabinet before he decided to”, the younger Jakande said.

He continued by praising his mother, Sikirat Jakande for being selfless like his father by not pressurizing the late former governor to work against his principles and humanitarianism, rather he opined that his mother was always content with what they had.

“Even when he was working as the minister and he developed Banana Island, making houses available, we didn’t have sand there. I think my mother deserves lots of credit for making my father the kind of transparent man he was. We didn’t know what was happening in the other room, but you all agree with me that a woman has the power to change a man’s heart, but my mother never did that. ”

He urged the state government to name the Lagos State University after his father, noting that as the founder of the citadel of learning his father’s name is the most suitable to immortalise the man and his good works.

Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Inadequate Gatekeeping in Nigerian Media

The Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat also acknowledged the role played by Alhaji Lateef Jakande for the development of Lagos State.

He pointed at the information free-flow as the a major challenge being faced in the country, adding that lack of gatekeeping in Journalism has deprived the country of a positive image in the international community.

Speaking on the 2023 elections and the use of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr. Hamzat condemned social commentators for talking about “elections that have already been won”.

He insisted that since voting did not take place through BVAS, the machine could not automate the polls, adding that the controversy around the elections concerning electronic transmission was unneeded in the country’s political narratives.