Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the path to greatness, citing President Bola Tinubu’s policies and leadership vision as key drivers of national revival.
Speaking during his 99th birthday celebration at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti said the country’s future is bright and that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is laying the foundation for lasting progress.
He said Nigeria would be great and soon become a country that everyone would be proud of.
“Although Nigeria might have missed opportunities to develop in the past, hope is very much alive now that the country is on the path to progress and greatness.
“Nigeria’s future is based on inspiration, and when Tinubu came to me to express his desire to run for the Presidency of Nigeria, I prayed to the Almighty, and I got a nod that the prayer would be answered.
“We continue to give glory and adoration to the Supreme Being for answering our prayers,” Fasorati stated, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He added that his declaration that Nigeria was poised for greatness soon was based on Tinubu’s agenda, his policies and the vision he was pursuing with vigour.
Fasoranti also based his optimism on the abundant talents and resources with which “our dear country is blessed and the creativity cum prowess that the Almighty God endows us with.
“The future is very bright for the Yoruba as they are increasingly becoming conscious of the historic roles they are to play in the emancipation of the black race.”
In his tribute to the nonagenarian, Tinubu described the celebrant as a “model of exemplary leadership.”
Governors of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Biodun Oyebanji, Ademola Adeleke, Seyi Makinde, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, respectively, eulogised the renowned educationist, administrator, and grass-roots politician.
Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as “a rare symbol of patriotism, courage and integrity, whose life of selfless service has become a guiding light for generations of Nigerians.”
Makinde lauded Fasoranti’s contributions to the emancipation of the Yoruba ethnic group and the progress of the country and described him as a role model, a leader and father who deserved to be celebrated.
Adeleke asserted that Fasoranti “is a great asset to the Yoruba race and Nigeria, just as Oyebanji stated that Pa Fasoranti had displayed great exemplary leadership worthy of emulation.
Both Sanwo-Olu and Abiodun said the trajectory of the life of the elder statesman had shown him to be an exemplary personality as could be seen in his courage, honesty, integrity, unblemished record in the public service and devotion to humanity.
Former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, said Fasoranti deserved all the accolades, going by the immense contributions he had made to Ondo State, to education and his inspiring leadership style.
The chairman on the occasion, Prof Olu Aderounmu, eulogised the elder statesman “for his commitment to principled leadership style, human empowerment and community services.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, represented by the institution’s Registrar, Mr G. O. Saliu, maintained that societies that wanted to make progress thrived on the strength of individuals like Fasoranti.
The chief host, Seinde Arogbofa, recalled that there was a time when external forces threatened the Yoruba nation.
“It was leaders like Pa Fasoranti who stood firm in the defence of the people,” he said.
