Jakande: Guild of Editors mourns its pioneer president

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described its pioneer President, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as a pillar of the journalism profession.

The NGE stated this in a Press Release jointly signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe.

The body of Editors noted that Pa Jakande’s death is particularly painful because it came at a period when the NGE had already lost many of its members and founding fathers, including Mallam Wada Maida, Mr Ben Egbuna and Prince Tony Momoh.

“The NGE is, however, consoled by the fact that Pa Jakande left an indelible mark on the sands of time as a Journalist of repute, Publisher, Media Entrepreneur, Politician, astute Administrator, Governor, Minister, as well as a Statesman and Conscience of the nation.

“The NGE recalls with nostalgia and gratitude, the role of Jakande, not only in the empowerment of journalists, through his John West Publishing Group, but also in the establishment and sustenance of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).” It said.

Read More: President Buhari mourns former Lagos State Governor, Jakande

The Guild lauded Jakande’s achievements as the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, especially his impactful projects in Public Housing, Education and infrastructure development, which remain a reference point for good governance to date.

“Revered as the Father of Modern Lagos, Pa Jakande arguably laid the foundation for the massive development that Lagos State is witnessing today. That administration was anchored on the five-cardinal programmes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

“Alhaji Jakande remains a reference point for austere lifestyle and uprightness in public office. He also demonstrated the fact that journalists do make very good administrators and nation builders.” The NGE noted.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors prayed for the eternal repose of Alhaji Jakande’s soul in Aljannah while also extending its sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Lagos State Government and the Awoist political family, for the irreplaceable loss.

Alhaji Jakande passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the age of 91.

PR / Zainab Sa’id