Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and academics from Lagos State University (LASU) paid tribute on Wednesday to Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, during a memorial marking the fifth anniversary of his passing.
The event, organised by Jakande’s family, included special prayers and reflections on his enduring impact on governance, education, and housing.
Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, Sanwo-Olu described Jakande as a visionary whose policies continue to shape Lagos, particularly his expansion of free education and housing initiatives that provided stability to thousands of families. “His actions showed us that government can enhance daily life, create opportunities, restore dignity, and build a lasting legacy for both current and future generations,” the governor’s statement read.
The memorial featured a Fidau prayer led by Sheikh Abdulmajeed Ayinla, Chief Imam of Nawair-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, who asked Allah to grant Jakande eternal rest and increase the light surrounding his life. Ayinla highlighted Jakande’s contributions to social and human development, noting that his work positively affected generations of Lagosians.
In a lecture at the memorial, LASU Associate Professor Saheed Timehin urged attendees to consider Jakande’s lasting legacy, quoting Qur’an 18:46 to stress that true wealth lies in deeds that benefit others.
He noted, “Within four years and three months, he achieved what is unequal. His standard remains unmatched. Legacy speaks in lives, not in words or wealth.”
Retired University of Lagos Professor Lai Olurode, represented by Dr Kabir Garba, Weekend Editor of The Guardian, praised Jakande as a model of ethical leadership, fiscal discipline, and people-centred governance. He noted Jakande’s rejection of extravagance and “wasteful paraphernalia” in office, emphasizing that his single term in office left an enduring and exemplary imprint.
The memorial underscored Jakande’s role as a benchmark for leadership in Nigeria, highlighting his focus on integrity, service, and long-term vision for the development of Lagos State.
