For the death of Baba Lateef Kayode Jakande, LKJ, (Baba Kekere), Nigeria and Journalism profession lost another rare gem, a Journalist Per Excellon, administrator and sincere, astute politician.
Baba Jakande lived and died for the sustainable development of Nigeria, Lagos State in particular and the growth of Journalism as a whole.
From Lagos to Athens, Portugal, Australia, The Poynter Institute of Media Studies and Saudi Arabia, Baba Lateef Jakande’s contributions to Journalism in all facets were acknowledged.
The younger generation of media practitioners owes a lot to Baba Lateef Jakande.
He saw to the birth of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the establishment of The Nigerian Institute of Journalism NIJ Ogba Lagos through collaboration and support of the International Press Institute, IPI.
Baba Jola Ogunlusi the Former National Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has this to on introduction page of a book entitled NUJ The history of Nigeria Press..”Jakande felt that the Guild of Editors, like in Europe, should be relevant within the media as senior members in the position to implement the code is ethics if the profession…Alhaji Jakande agreed that while NUJ was needed to do the work of a trade union, to seek the welfare of its members and fight against any attack on the press Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) should take care of the conditions of service and the Guild will serve as the buffer between NPAN and NUJ….”
To accentuate the belief of Baba Jakande on the welfare of Journalists, he gave four lots of land to NUJ and NIJ to build a magnificent and economic complex in the heart of Victoria Island. The NUJ building has remained the cash – cow for the Lagos State council till date. It is on record that during my tenure dividends from the rent were shared to the chapels. The complex was also undergoing renovation till I left office in early December 2020.
Today thousands of jobs were created in Radio Lagos, Lagos Television courtesy of Baba Jakande who established the two media Organisations.
My personal benefit
As one of the beneficiaries of postgraduate training in Journalism at NIJ, I am presently a management staff of reputable media Organisations. I was able to also impact my Journalism training to the younger generation of Journalists at NIJ since 2007.
He shared his thoughts with me as Chairman NUJ Lagos State council. I benefitted immensely from his wealth of experience.
He welcome the visit of the International Press Institute Executive Director, Babra Tronfi to his home with other officials of IPI and the local organising team for IPI 2018 Congress in Nigeria. This visit I arranged at a short notice, with just a call to Baba’s Personal Assistance – Femi. Baba Kekere reconnect with the IPI and bless the 2018 Congress.
The affordable homes, rural road and Scholarships
Most Nigerians in Lagos became proud owners of low income and medium houses across the state. The younger generations from 1979 till 1983 had the opportunity of scholarships through Jakande Schools and the Lagos State University.
If today you are also a proud owner of structures in the Lekki- Ajay, Ibeju and Epe axis, baba Jakande made this possible opening up the Maroko- Epe dual carriage way.
My people of Badagry will also remember baba Jakande for good. He built the state government chalets along ASCON -Topo road.
We shall miss him greatly.
Dr Qasim Akinreti, is a former Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council and Deputy Director of Digital Media Voice of Nigeria Lagos.
