Former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande is dead

The First Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is dead.

Jakande passed on Thursday morning in Lagos at the age of 91.

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who announced this on his Twitter handle wrote, ”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 1949, Jakande began a career in journalism first with the Daily Service and then in 1953 joining the Nigerian Tribune. In 1956 he was appointed editor-in-chief of the Tribune by the owner Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He ran for election as executive governor of Lagos State in 1979, and defeated his opponents, Adeniran Ogunsanya and was subsequently sworn in as governor.

Jakande’s administration was effective in terms of massive infrastructural development and provision of affordable housing and huge investment in education across the state.