The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit is mourning elder statesman and first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande who died on Thursday.
The Amir (president) of MSSN in Lagos State, Miftahudeen Thanni, described Jakande as an achiever who remains the best administrator the state had.
According to him, no governor in Lagos has been able to match the achievements of the late Jakande in the educational sector whose records remained unparalleled.
He said, “Lagos State and Nigeria, in general, have lost a rare gem. An outstanding personality has been lost. He remains the most educationally-friendly governor.
“While Jakande promoted free and quality education, other governors increased school fees despite the low minimum wage and economic hardship in the state.
“The deceased has made landmark achievements that will never be forgotten in the history of the state. Today, his housing policies still remain reference points for successive governments.
“He was such an outstanding administrator that his time as a Governor remains a yardstick for good governance in the state.
“Our advice is that Jakande’s death should be a lesson to all politicians and leaders in the country.
“They should be reminded that they will one day be asked to give an account of their deeds. If they escape and deceive fellow humans, they cannot escape the judgement of God.
“We pray that Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him paradise. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Jakande died in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 91.
Jakande, a former journalist emerged Lagos State Governor from 1979 to 1983, and later served as Minister of Works under the military government of General Sani Abacha.
His administration as Lagos State Governor left a legacy of massive infrastructure development during his four-year stint, especially through numerous Jakande Estates built across the state and his sterling investment in education.
Lateefah Ibrahim
