Lateef Kayode Jakande (23 July 1929 – 11 February 2021) was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished journalists, politicians, and statesmen. He was the first democratically elected civilian Governor of Lagos State, serving from 1979 to 1983, and is widely remembered for his visionary leadership, prudent management of public resources, and unwavering commitment to education, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. He was affectionately known as “Baba Kekere” and remains one of the most respected political figures in Nigeria’s history.

Lateef Kayode Jakande was born on 23 July 1929 in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, Lagos. Although born and raised in Lagos, his parents hailed from Omu-Aran in present-day Kwara State.

He received his early education at:
* Lagos Public School, Enu-Owa, Lagos Island
* Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt
* King’s College, Lagos
* Ilesha Grammar School, where he edited the school literary magazine, The Quarterly Mirror, demonstrating his passion for writing and journalism at an early age.

Journalism Career
Jakande began his journalism career in 1949 as a reporter with the Daily Service. In 1953, he joined the Nigerian Tribune, founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His brilliance and dedication earned him promotion to Editor-in-Chief in 1956, making him one of Nigeria’s most influential journalists. During his career, he championed press freedom, ethical journalism, and national development. After leaving the Nigerian Tribune in 1975, he established John West Publications, publishers of The Lagos News. He also became:
* The first President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
* A co-founder of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
* A founding member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
* A respected figure in international journalism organizations.

Political Career
Inspired by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive philosophy, Jakande joined the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
In the 1979 general elections, he was elected the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, defeating his opponents with an overwhelming majority.
His administration became nationally recognised for implementing the UPN’s four cardinal programmes:
* Free education
* Affordable healthcare
* Rural development
* Employment creation
His government was noted for transparency, efficiency, and prudent financial management.

Major Achievements as Governor of Lagos State

* Introduced free primary and secondary education.
* Built hundreds of new primary and secondary schools.
* Constructed thousands of classrooms to eliminate overcrowding.
* Established the Lagos State University (LASU).
* Expanded teacher recruitment and educational facilities.

Housing
* Constructed over 30,000 low-cost housing units across Lagos.
* Developed housing estates including:
* Amuwo-Odofin
* Dolphin Estate
* Abesan
* Ijaiye
* Oke-Afa
* Ipaja
* Surulere
* Ikorodu
* Badagry
* Epe
These estates remain among his enduring legacies.

Infrastructure
* Constructed and rehabilitated numerous roads.
* Built bridges and drainage systems.
* Improved water supply.
* Conceived the Lagos Metro Line project decades before it was eventually revived.

Healthcare
* Built and upgraded general hospitals and health centres.
* Expanded access to affordable healthcare services.

Public Service
Jakande became famous for:
* Living modestly.
* Avoiding extravagance.
* Personally supervising projects.
* Ensuring public funds were used responsibly.
His simple lifestyle earned him enormous public admiration.

Minister of Works
Following the return of military rule, Jakande later accepted appointment as Federal Minister of Works under General Sani Abacha (1993–1995). The decision generated criticism from some pro-democracy activists, although he later explained that he believed he could still contribute to national development through public service.

Personal Life
Jakande was married to Alhaja Abimbola Sikirat Jakande, and they were blessed with children. He was a devoted Muslim, known for humility, honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Honours and Legacy
His legacy continues to shape Lagos State and Nigeria. In recognition of his contributions:
* The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) was established by the Lagos State Government to nurture future public-sector leaders.
* Several public institutions and roads have been named in his honour.
* He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest examples of selfless, people-oriented leadership.

Death
Lateef Kayode Jakande passed away on 11 February 2021 at the age of 91 after a brief illness. Tributes poured in from across Nigeria and beyond, celebrating his integrity, simplicity, and transformative leadership.

Conclusion
Lateef Kayode Jakande’s life exemplified integrity, visionary leadership, and selfless public service. From his distinguished journalism career to his transformative tenure as Governor of Lagos State, he demonstrated that government can be people-centred, accountable, and development-driven. More than three decades after leaving office, his achievements in education, housing, infrastructure, and governance remain benchmarks for public administration in Nigeria.