Mr Deji Jakande, son of a former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, on Monday said Nigeria would be a better country if leaders deliver service and shun primitive accumulation.
Deji made the statement while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a birthday organised to celebrate his father’s 89th birthday in Ilupeju, Lagos.
NAN reports that Jakande, the first civilian governor of the state turned 89 on Monday.
The former governor’s son described his father as a contented man who dedicated his life to serve the people.
“My father is a contented man who is never given to self enrichment.
“He was committed to the service of the people as governor and gave his best in the service of the state.
“Leaders can emulate this value of contentment and give their best to the service of the people,”, Deji said.
He said that he was proud of his father’s achievements as governor.
The former governor’s son described his father as the best in the world, saying he gave his children a good upbringing.
Deji said he learnt the values of humility and hard work from his father.
“My father is the best father in the world. He gave us everything and nurtured us to who we are today.
“On the occasion of his birthday, I celebrate him and I wish him all the best”, he said.
One of those present at the party, Mr Kola Ajayi, hailed the achievements of the former governor, saying his legacies still stood still date.
Ajayi, Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state, urged leaders to emulate the impactful leadership of Jakande.
” Papa Jakande is a reference point in good governance. He did his best for the people of Lagos and his legacies still stand.
“He is a rare leader. The country will be great if leaders impact on people like Jakande did”, he said.
NAN reports that the former governor, dressed in white Agbada, sat with his wife, acknowledging cheers from people present.
Jakande, joined by his wife, later cut a birthday cake amidst frenzy and excitement by guests.
A journalist by profession, Jakande became the first executive governor of Lagos State in 1979 and was in office until his second term was terminated in December 1983 by a military coup.
He was later appointed as Minister of Housing in 1993 by the Sani Abacha-led military regime.