The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Lagos State Council has congratulated a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as he marks 90th birthday.
In statement signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Gbanga Ekundayo and the Secretary, Comrade Aladetan Abiodun, in Lagos, TUC eulogised Jakande in view of the fact that his 90th birthday came at a time Nigeria is in need of a servant leadership as epitomised by him.
“The leadership of TUC Lagos State is not surprise at the copious felicitation coming from all Nigerians. Your 90th birthday is coming at a time when servant leadership which you epitomise is the most misunderstood concept in the Nigerian political system
“Sir, the workers in Lagos State salute and rejoice with you because you served selflessly as the first civilian Governor of Lagos State between 1979-1983. As the people’s Governor under the platform of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), you ran a worker’s friendly programmes that provided low- cost housing for workers, free qualitative education and affordable health care system” the union opined.
According to the congress, while it is true that a leader’s credibility rises or falls on the basis of whether or not they take care of their people through the time they invest in their people and the connection they form, “we in TUC Lagos State Council wishes to state unequivocally that since you left office, your leadership style and qualities have been passionately preaching the gospel of certain timeless and proven leadership philosophy that will serve as a benchmark of developing organizational healthy, engaged, and profitable work culture.
“You demonstrated that the true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your personal interest. You truly cared about those you had the privilege to lead and understood the simple fact that the true cost of leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest.
“As you celebrate your birthday today, we beg the Almighty Alah to kindly give you the grace and privilege to celebrate more years on earth. At 90, you have chosen to grow older gracefully, treasuring the trail of memories forged and enjoyed over nine decades,” the statement added.
According to Zig Ziglar, “you can have anything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want.”
“You deserve all the accolades you are getting and more. When we look at you, we are awed and comforted by your contribution to the development of Lagos and humanity,” TUC noted.
