Professor Lai Olurode has stated that former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Kayode Jakande, was able to perform exceptionally as a governor because his programmes and policies were pro-poor, and he devoted most of his time to governance rather than politics.
Speaking during a firechat organised by the Lateef Jakande Academy on the leadership model and legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Olurode, a retired University of Lagos don, disclosed that Jakande was a man of conviction. He not only wanted to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but was also determined not to live beyond his means, which made him very modest in and out of government.
According to Olurode, long before Jakande came into power, he was determined not to be corrupt and to be satisfied with just meeting the basic things of life. He buttressed this with a letter Jakande wrote over ten years before becoming governor of Lagos State. Olurode also disclosed that Jakande was always thinking about impact, not for drawing attention to himself, but for the greater majority. In his interaction with Jakande, the former governor believed that one does not need to be in government to make an impact or improve the community.
Olurode further said that Jakande believed one should impact his community in whatever way possible, no matter how small, and that it does not take having huge funds to make a difference. He noted that Jakande led by example, disclosing that after withdrawing students on scholarship back into Lagos public schools, he also enrolled his own children in those schools.
Olurode argued that Jakande's life experiences and background as a young man probably shaped his outlook on governance and his drive to be pro-poor when he became governor. He narrated some of the challenges Jakande faced in acquiring education and navigating through life.
The professor of sociology noted that before the return to democracy in 1999, many sought political offices because they wanted to serve their community, not as a tool to better their own lives or that of their families. He observed that this is no longer the case, as many now go into politics for self-aggrandisement, which is why corruption is high. He argued that many Nigerian leaders are taking more than they need from the country, seeing Nigeria as a buffet and taking without being conscious of others.
He noted that many who came after Jakande did not follow his path, especially in being truly pro-poor and not wanting to amass what they do not actually need. He maintained that Nigeria is truly a blessed and rich country where no Nigerian should sleep hungry or be homeless, but resources are tied down by a few who allow them to waste.
Olurode applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for setting up the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy. "We must commend Lagos State Governor for the thought that went into setting up the academy. This is because it is not easy to recognise a predecessor as a governor."
During the question-and-answer session, one participant noted that past governors in other states named their state universities after their former governors, but that was not the case in Lagos. Olurode said that although an academy backed by law has been unveiled in his honour, Jakande deserved more considering what he gave to the state in terms of selfless service. Olurode is hopeful that one day Jakande will be better recognised, perhaps by naming one of the state universities after him.
The former university don observed that one of the issues holding Nigeria down is that production and true service are not rewarded. He challenged the academy fellows to emulate Jakande and become pockets of ethical islands wherever they find themselves by living for higher values. He said they should not be deterred by the pains that come with standing out and doing good. He also implored them to commend those doing good within their environment, as it is a good energiser to do more if Nigeria must improve.
On what lessons today's politicians and upcoming ones can learn from Jakande, Olurode said: "The imperative of keeping faith with the implied social contract entered into with the people; enacting pro-poor policies and an unparalleled sense of empathy and disdain for greed in governance. The Jakande Leadership Academy is deserving and the government of Sanwo-Olu deserves a pat on the back. What is left is for his government to name the Lagos State University (LASU) after him, as was the case with universities founded by all his cohorts. Why should LKJ's case be different?"
On why it seems the state cannot reproduce someone in the mould of Jakande since the return to democracy in 1999, Olurode stated that the future is pregnant with all possibilities. "We aren't soothsayers or Babalawo. We should remain hopeful."
