Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Buba Marwa (Retired) on Sunday said that the late first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande , lived an exemplary life worth emulating by all Nigerians.
Marwa, the military governor of Lagos State between 1996 and 1999, said this when he paid a condolence visit to Alhaja Abimbola Jakande , the wife and family members of late Jakande at the Lagos residence of the deceased.
Marwa is the curent Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA.
Alhaji Jakande died on Feb.11,2021.
“Jakande was the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, from 1979 to 1983.
“He was a journalist and he first worked with the Daily Service and then in 1953, he joined the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper where he rose to become its Editor-in-Chief.
“He was the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN.
“He was Minister of Works under the late Gen. Sani Abacha-ked military regime from 1993 to 1998, among other giants achievements.
The NDLEA boss also described the late Jakande as a great humanitarian.
According to the NDLEA boss, it is very sad to pay the condolence visit to the family of his predecessor in office.
“However, God knows the best.
“ He was a very religious man and a journalist per excellence and a lover peace.
“He did very well as a former governor of Lagos-state because he brought smiles to the people as their governor between 1979 and 1983 through his people-oriented programmes.”
Marwa said that when he served as the governor of Lagos state between 1996 and 1999, Jakande was supportive of his administration.
“When I was appointed as the chairman of NDLEA, he also sent me a congratulatory message.
“I prayed that he rests well, may God give us the heart to accept his passing away as no one lives forever , ” Marwa said.
The widower, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, in her words thanked the NDLEA boss for the visit.
“ I thank you all for putting us in mind , God bless,” she said.
The entourage that followed the NDLEA boss on the condolence visit include the NDLEA Lagos Commander, Mr Ralph Igwenagu; and the Apapa Seaport Commander, Mr Samuel Gadzama.
Others are :The Director of Airport’s operations, Mrs Joyce -Titus Awogbayi, and the Commander, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Mr Ahmadu Gatba.
