A Development Economist and an Accomplished Management Consultant, Chief Babatunde Fanimokun, has tasked Nigerian leaders to study the blueprint of Alhaji Kayode Jakande’s affordable housing programme to address the housing deficit problems facing the nation.
Speaking at the 3rd Jakande Housing Lecture Series, (JHLS), held in Lagos, during which he shared his in-depth knowledge about Late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s four years’ stint as the first Civilian governor of Lagos State.
He also explained how they were able to provide affordable homes for low-income earners and what housing Stakeholders in the present dispensation should do to wrestle the perennial problem of housing deficit, and solve Nigeria’s housing deficit problem once and for all.
Reacting to insinuations by some Nigerian leaders that affordable housing delivery is no longer feasible, the seasoned administrator said they should rather learn the art of achieving Jakande’s style of affordable housing than grandstanding.
He also identified lack of adequate and proper planning as the bane of failure in leadership under the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria.
The Guest Speaker at the JHLS said the secret of Alhaji Jakande’s success was captured in 6 P’s which spelt out to mean ‘Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.’
He described Late Jakande as a visionary, selfless and serious minded leader who had his blueprint for governance ready before he was sworn into office; hence he was able to flag off a housing estate in Amuwo Odofin exactly 45 days after becoming a Governor which was completed within the first two years of his tenure.
The seasoned technocrat of high repute who worked throughout with late Jakande in the provision of affordable housing to Lagosians reeled out what made the achievements of the former governor possible.
These included seriousness of purpose, determination to perform and solve problems, clear vision, mission, focus, strategy and total commitment which equals to success.
According to him, “Apart from been a visionary leader, Alhaji Jakande
was an embodiment of selflessness and was an incorruptible leader,” noting that these enables him to implement practicability of incorruptibleness under a democratic setting.
He said Jakande did not only took care of the low-income earners as it was erroneously believed in some quarters as he introduced a Site and Service Scheme and Private Developers Scheme which made Lekki area of Lagos to account for over 150 private housing estates as at 2010, a development which has energized the economy of Lagos and make life better to the citizenry.
He enumerated some of the processes used by Jakande to achieve affordable housing which included elimination of middle men, building on demands, emphasizing on labour only as well as government providing the land and provision of infrastructure.
The Guest Speaker said Jakande does not believe in using yesterday’s
method for today’s challenges adding that he was always thinking and coming up with fresh ideas to enhance development and governance
unlike the current crop of leaders in the country.
He stressed that planning for success is the secret of Jakande’s
administration.
In his remarks, Prof. Gbenga Timothy Nubi lauded late Alhaji Jakande as a leader par excellence who does not attract attention to himself, insisting that his comparison is lacking in Nigeria’s governance of present day.
According to him, “The problem with leadership in this country at present is that the leaders have No love of their people and neither is there any passion to serve the people any longer.
“You cannot push an agenda you are not passionate about.”
Prof. Nubi challenged the present crops of Nigerian leaders to emulate
Late Jakande in other to replicate his style of leadership.
Earlier, the Chairman of REDAN’s Board of Trustees, Prince Seyi
Lufadeju commended the consistency and loyalty of REDAN to the virtues and what Late Jakande stands for.
He also appealed to the House of Representatives to follow the footstep of the 9th Senate on the passage of the REDAN’s proposed Real Estate (Regulations and Development) Bill which the Senate passed on Wednesday November 17, 2021.
He noted that the essence of the Bill is amongst others to ensure the standardization of the business of real estate development in Nigeria
by regulating the conduct of transactions in the real estate sector;
provide enabling environment and transparency in the business of real
estate development in Nigeria; make the business of real estate
development in Nigeria conform to international best practices and
safeguard the ultimate interest of all stakeholders in the business;
curb fraudulent practices in the business of real estate development
in Nigeria; ensure that the real estate business conforms with the
National Building Code in Nigeria; create an innovative and
sustainable environment to promote Nigeria as a real estate investment
destination in Africa and the world, and, ensure that the real estate
business in Nigeria conforms with the MONEY LAUNDERING PROHIBITION ACT
2011 (as amended) and NFIU ACT 2018 in terms of anti-money laundering
and counter terrorism financing due diligence compliance.
Jakande Housing Lecture Series, (JHLS) was initiated by the Real
Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, (REDAN) with the aim of
recognizing the sterling efforts of the late REDAN’s Life Patron,
Alhaji (Dr) Abdul-Lateef Kayode Jakande (CON); who committed his
energies toward housing development in all ramifications.
