The president of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) Ugochukwu Chime has described the former Governor of Lagos, Alhaji (Dr) Lateef Kayode Jakande as an icon and a legend.
Chime had more great words to say about Jakande during the 1st Jakande Housing Lecture Series (JHLS) organised by REDAN in honour of the man on Thursday in Lagos.
‘’We are here to institute the Jakande Housing Lecture Series (JHLS) which will be an annual event. His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Lateef Kayode Jakande CON is not just a man, but a man of vision, an icon personified. He is a legend. He is an epitome of perseverance, longsuffering and unwavering commitment to achieving the near impossible.
‘’As Governor of Lagos State during the second republic (1979 – 1983), he exemplified vision, sacrifice, honesty in the people-oriented programs and projects he executed. Many of the institutions and estates that dot the Lagos landscape are products of his imagination and leadership.
‘’As Minister for Works (1993 – 1998), he strived to replicate at the national level, through the public service, the wonderful feats he had brought into care for housing the downtrodden that he did in Lagos State. Alas many factors including bureaucracy amongst other factors hindered the project,’’ he said.
Chime also went down memory lane to remember how REDAN was founded and the role played by Jakande who became the association’s first president.
‘’When the Presidential Technical Board (PTB) of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) headed by Professor Akin Mabogunje was established. The PTB noted the need for the establishment of institutions that will drive developments in the housing sector value chain, hence the establishment of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and the Building Materials Producers Association of Nigeria (BUMPAN), in addition to the existing Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN).
‘’Arising from the above, it was pertinent that the institution had to be established. Right from our first meeting in Chelsea Hotel Abuja in May 2002, which I was privileged to have attended, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande CON, took up the gauntlet and responsibility to bring to life, REDAN. The former Governor of Lagos State, former Minister of Housing found in the new Association the urge to serve. Unperturbed that he had held sway in those high offices, the man of the moment did not look down on the new, about to be formed Association. He willingly accepted to be the Pioneer President of the Association, LKJ gave his all – selflessly to ensure that the association remain alive. He did not waiver. He served REDAN from 2002 to 2009 as the Chief Executive
‘’LKJ traversed the length & breath of this country calling on men and women to find it expedient to be members of the association that will serve as the manager of the interests of other stakeholders in the real estate space. In Kaduna, precisely at Sir Kashim Ibrahim house, he missed his step and fell on the staircase. That did not discourage the man of the moment. He persevered. Some of us who had read about his uncommon vision and exploits as Governor and Minister now had the opportunity to follow his him. His devotion to duty, exemplary lifestyle and uncommon capacity for devotion to duty and helping the masses resonated deeply with many of us and led us to decide to serve in like manner if and when given the opportunity. It is very safe to state that you have succeeded in raising successors, who are inspired, motivated and determined to carry on the task of being the voice of the voiceless in the Board room of decision making in Nigeria and beyond,’’ he said.
According to Chime, it was based on these achievements and sacrifices that the National Executive Council of the Association on the 10th of Dec 2018, approved the decision to honour the Pioneer President of the association by conferring on him a life patron status and institute an annual Lecture Series in his name.
The decision, according to him, was informed by the need for the association to celebrate a man whose achievements in the housing sector remains unrivalled.
‘’And also hoping that by reminding us of the character disposition of this icon, we shall have a role model that will inspire, motivate and raise successors who will carry the battle forward. Be assured Sir, that we are raising further the bar of selfless, diligent and focused service delivery you commenced in REDAN.
‘’The Association also noted that his activities and influence is beyond REDAN. Thus, this noble effort will involve ALL Housing Industry Stakeholders operating either on the supply or demand side.’’
Chime added that in subsequent editions, REDAN will only serve as the secretariat, while the planning and execution will be collaborative effort of the housing industry stakeholders both in public and private sectors.
The Alhaji Jakande Lecture series, he said, shall be amongst others, an avenue where critical matters in the housing sector will be analysed, discussed, practical solutions proffered and an avenue for stakeholders to interface government at all levels on the formulation of policies that will positively unveil and utilize the potentials in the housing industry for employment generation, increased socio-economic growth, enhanced security and increased GDP/IGR.
Chime revealed that during the event, they shall equally be honouring few of Jakande’s partners, associates and contemporaries who have been there with him to walk the talk.
‘’First is Alhaja Abimbola Sikirat Jakande the indefatigable wife and companion of Alhaji Dr Lakeef Kayode Jakande CON. Her humble, selfless, unassuming, quiet, reassuring and yet very impactful support is hereby deeply appreciated. To represent the first REDAN National Executive, we also appreciate and honour Chief Guy Okechukwu Ojuba Obosi, the first REDAN General Secretary for his steadfastness, unparalleled energy in the affairs of REDAN from inception till date.
‘’In a class of his own is my mentor and inspiration from my university days, Professor Akin Mabogunje who is the doyen of housing and housing related activities. From his book Urbanization in Nigeria published in 1968 to his activities in Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria(FMBN) etc etc, he exhibited a foresighted and uncanny understanding of the issues, challenges and solutions for shelter and shelter related issues. In FMBN, he delegated some Directors to be associates in REDAN, MBAN and BUMPAN, with the aim of ensuring seamless collaboration and synergy amongst these partner institutions. Mr Forune Ebie, David Garnvwa and Architect Aguluka worked with MBAN, REDAN and BUMPAN respectively. By so doing the words in the street was brought to the boardroom of decision making, and thus ensuring enhanced transaction dynamics; reduction in transaction time and cost etc. We in REDAN have accepted, imbibed and are practicing this worthy initiative, because together we achieve more.’’
Chime further called for the need to always celebrate those who render selfless and diligent service. He said such people should be appreciated while they are alive in order to reward them and inspire others.
