Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday officially unveiled an ultra-modern recreational park in Alausa, Ikeja, in honour of three former Governors of the State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (rtd), Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at a ceremony to unveil the park known as Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu Park (JJT Park) and located in front of the State House of Assembly and a few metres away from Lagos House, said it is part of efforts by his administration to immortalise heroes who worked hard for the emergence of Lagos as not only the Centre of Excellence, but also one of the most prominent city-states in Africa.
He said the three former governors were outstanding in their contributions to the development of the state and wrote their names in the sands of time, especially during their time in office.
Governor Ambode said: “One of the hallmarks of any progressive society is to always recognise and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos State, we have so many heroes who toiled and laid a solid foundation for the Lagos we enjoy today.
“Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos Sate. These eminent Lagosians are some of the very few brave men that stood to be counted on the side of justice and even by their performances while in office have written their name in gold for future generations.”
“The roles played by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the first governor and military administrator of the state; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos state; and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor and architect of modern Lagos; can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our state, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today.”
The general manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, said the park occupies a total land area of approximately 21,880sqm, has two waterfalls, a children’s playground and free Wi-Fi access.