Association wants Sanwo-Olu to name Lagos Jetty Terminal after Lateef Jakande
The Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has called on Gov, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to name Lagos Jetty Terminal after Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Mr Gani Tarzan-Balogun, President of the association, made the call on Tuesday when he led members of the association on condolence visit to the family of the late political sage in Lagos.
The association members were received by the deceased’s wife, Mrs Sikirat Jakande and some members of the family.
Tarzan-Balogun said that the call was necessary because of Jakande’s unprecedented contributions, as first civilian governor, to the development of water transportation in the state.
He said that to immortalise the late Lateef Jakande, Lagos State Government should name Lagos Jetty Terminal after the first civilian governor of the state.
“We are aware that the former ferry corporation had a boat named Baba Kekere, but the boat has been out of service for a long time.
“The association shall institute a Baba Jakande Water Transportation Lecture series platform to celebrate his achievements on water transportation in Lagos State.
“We join other fellow Nigerians and Lagosians in particular, to commiserate on the glorious exit of our beloved father and man of the people.
“We are here to share with the family the exemplary life that the former governor lived.
“We thank God for the roles he played in tourism, aquatic, education sector, rural development and health schemes, among several others.
“Particularly, construction of jetties across the rural communities, which have helped our members to facilitate their movement of goods and services on waterways,” president of the association said.
He said that Jakande’s singular effort had enhanced the growth of water transportation businesses across the state.
“It has brought to the public limelight the importance of water transportation to the people and helped create rural jobs,’’ Tarzan-Balogun said.
According to him, indeed, Baba Jakande, through his administration, provided enabling environment and opportunities for water transportation businesses to thrive.
He said that the development also helped to market the rural tourism potential of the state to people outside by showcasing the water, ecological tourism, beaches and culture of the people.
“As a culture icon, Baba Jakande had always dressed in Nigeria fabrics and encouraged the study and usage of local languages, particularly, the Egun dialect of Badagry indigenes.
“My advice for the family he left behind is that the family should be strong and continue to keep his legacies alive.
“May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,” Tarzan-Balogun said.
