Nigerian leaders have been enjoined to emulate the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s transparent and sacrificial lifestyle. They were also reminded to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God, just like the former governor while in office, who was a great man with utmost care and concern for the masses.
The National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu, said this during the courtesy visit of the association to the late elder statesman’s residence in Ilupeju Lagos, on Saturday.
Accompanied by executives of the group, including, Pharm. Bridget Otote, national vice-chairman; Pharm. Omokhafe Ashore; national treasurer; Pharm. Babatunde Samuel, national financial secretary; Pharm. Babajide Giwa, national editor-in-chief, and Pharm. Kenneth Ujah, publicity secretary, among others.
Oladigbolu, who eulogised Jakande’s contributions, said the former governor made life better for Lagosians. “Alhaji Jakande was never reckless, he was honest, God fearing, lived a simple and modest life. The presence of many great and eminent people from Lagos and across the country here today is a testimony to the fact that he was loved by all, even though many who also had an opportunity to serve the people like him had gone and forgotten without any traces of tangible achievement.
“When people evaluate baba’s life, they think of Lagos State, but what baba did, was beyond Lagos State. His life and conducts alone is enough lesson to other states. Two of my colleagues here among my executives would not have gone to school and become qualified professionals today if not for the ‘free education programme ‘ of Baba Jakande’s administration. Each time I look at his life, I remember the metro line, an idea that was thwarted over 2 decades ago, and we are still struggling with it as a country today”.
“Baba was a front liner and we appreciate it. He had come to teach people to live right, and many have benefited from his wealth of knowledge. Baba was a firm believer in a simple lifestyle, he believes in the general saying that simplicity is not stupidity”.
Speaking further, Oladigbolu however used the opportunity of the visit to invite the wife and Matriarch of the family, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande to the 41st Annual Scientific Conference of the association tagged “AJUMOSE EKO 2022”, which is scheduled to hold between 25 to 29 of July 2022, at Festival Hotel, Festac, Lagos State.
The ACPN boss noted that the annual national scientific conference is the association’s most outstanding gathering in any given year, adding that it is a unique opportunity for practitioners to deliberate on contemporary issues affecting the practice of pharmacy and matters related to the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Responding, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande appreciated the encomiums poured on her late husband, adding that the former Lagos State governor was able to record great achievement in education and other laudable programmes because he was a modest person and lover of mankind.
Recalling how his birthdays were celebrated while he was alive, Mrs Jakande noted that Baba Jakande was a very simple and humane person who was much concerned about the welfare and happiness of others, above his own, adding that Papa toiled and worked not for his personal benefit but for the future and the good of others.
While thanking the ACPN, Mrs Jakande, who is already 76 years, charged them not to relent in their efforts towards the provision of quality, accessible and affordable healthcare to the people, adding that the role of pharmacists in society is very crucial.
Some of the children, including the Vice-Chairman, Odi Olowo LCDA, Seyi Jakande, and Dr Olanrewaju Adeboye-Jakande, thanked the community pharmacists for the visit.
