Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside Professors Lai Olurode and Sylvester Akhaine, has called on Nigerians, especially those in public office, to emulate the late former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande, whose life they described as a symbol of integrity, patriotism, selfless service and people-oriented leadership.
The trio made the call on Thursday during the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
The annual lecture series, introduced by the NGE in 2023, honours the contributions of the late journalist, former Lagos governor, ex-Minister of Works and one-time President of the Guild.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu said Jakande’s career demonstrated that journalism equips individuals with the discipline, vision and leadership qualities required to excel in public service.
Sanwo-Olu said, “He was one of those journalists who showed the world that we are not just about writing or speaking.
We are not only about newspapers or electronic media; we can also be good administrators and public servants.
He showed that journalism teaches you to do anything once you set your mind to it. If you make a journalist a governor, he will be a better governor.”
The governor also urged media professionals to maintain high ethical standards and intensify efforts to curb the spread of misinformation.
Chairman of the event, Professor Lai Olurode, described Jakande’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria as the defining feature of his legacy.
He recalled that the former governor never sought medical treatment abroad while in office because of his confidence in the country’s potential.
“Lateef Jakande believed strongly in Nigeria. During his years as governor, he never travelled abroad for medical treatment.
“When we once asked him why he did not travel overseas despite the challenges in the country, he said Nigeria was a country people from Europe and Asia should come to because of its enormous potential.
“If there is anything Jakande did throughout his life, it was service. Even after leaving office, his house was always filled with people seeking jobs and assistance. He remained committed to helping others,” Olurode said.
Olurode urged Nigerians to focus on contributing meaningfully to national development rather than concentrating only on personal benefits.
Speaking at the event, NGE President Eze Anaba said the memorial lecture was established to preserve Jakande’s values of ethical journalism, exemplary leadership and dedicated public service.
He noted that Jakande and other founding members formed the Guild in 1961 during a period of political and economic uncertainty comparable to Nigeria’s present circumstances.
Anaba also called on journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness and accuracy in reporting, particularly ahead of future elections.
“The media must remain professional, accurate and fair in its coverage of the electoral process. Likewise, INEC must continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with transparency, competence and impartiality.
“When both institutions perform their respective roles effectively, the electorate will be better informed and better equipped to make choices that strengthen our democracy,” Anaba said.
Delivering the memorial lecture, Professor of Political Science at Lagos State University, Sylvester Akhaine, said the Jakande administration remains a benchmark for effective governance in Nigeria.
He argued that the achievements recorded during the Second Republic proved that responsible leadership is attainable in the country.
“The Jakande years have always been of comparative value to me in analysing the contradictions of the Fourth Republic.
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“Those years affirmed the slogan that ‘Another Nigeria is Possible,’” Akhaine said.
Addressing the lecture theme, Akhaine urged the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the electorate to play their respective roles in strengthening democratic governance.
He stressed the need for truthful reporting, greater electoral transparency, rejection of vote-buying and sustained voter education, adding that stronger institutions would improve the credibility of future elections.
Also speaking, the matriarch of the Jakande family, Mrs Sikirat Jakande, encouraged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the late statesman’s commitment to public service.
She recalled his landmark achievements in free education, healthcare, housing and road infrastructure.
“I will advise Nigerians to learn from Baba Jakande. The legacy of Baba can be used for future generations.
“He provided free education, free healthcare, roads and houses. He helped many people, and many people have learnt from him.
“People are still remembering him because of his achievements. They cannot forget him forever,” she said.
On behalf of the family, Deji Jakande said the annual lecture serves as a constant reminder for family members to uphold the values and reputation left behind by the late elder statesman.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including the Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Seyi Jakande; veteran journalist Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu; senior media practitioners, public officials, communication students, academics and representatives of civil society organisations.