President-elect Tinubu pours encomiums on Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti at 97
…describes pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group leader “a light unto our paths”
President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has heaped praises on Nigerian nationalist and leader of pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on his 97th birthday for his commitment to the ideals of good governance in Nigeria and unwavering dedication to progressive politics.
Asiwaju Tinubu in a statement from his office signed by Tunde Rahman praised Pa Fasoranti who turns 97 on Thursday May 11 for his exemplary life of courage and public service as a Teacher, School Principal, Local Government Chairman, Administrator, Commissioner for Finance and astute politician.
The President-elect recalled the various roles Pa Fasoranti played in progressive politics in Nigeria and the South-west in particular from his student days at the University College, Ibadan where he was an active member of Action Group and one of the trusted allies of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of the Western Region, and Chief Adekunle Ajasin, first civilian governor of old Ondo State.
According to the President-elect, Pa Fasoranti established his lasting legacy in the educational sector where he made invaluable impacts on many of his former students and generations of students at Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School where he was the founding Principal, Iwo Baptist High School, Olivet Baptist School, Oyo and Christ School Ado-Ekiti where he retired as a Principal.
As an astute School administrator, Pa Fasoranti after retirement founded a private school with his wife, Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School that changed the landscape of private primary and secondary education in Ondo State.
While highlighting the public service records of the venerable statesman, Asiwaju Tinubu described the Afenifere leader as “a light unto our paths” and a worthy example for all to emulate, adding that Pa Fasoranti lived a value-guided life in public office as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the leadership of Chief Adekunle Ajasin and creditably discharged his duties as leader of Afenifere.
Tinubu also praised Pa Fasoranti’s ecumenical spirit as a great man of faith with uncommon grace and fortitude to bear pain and live with personal tragedies without harbouring any bitterness and hate towards God and man.
“On this special day that our father, Chief Reuben Fasoranti turns 97, we have nothing but gratitude to God for granting him long life and presence of mind.
“All of us in the progressive fold are inspired by the long years of unflinching dedication to public good by Baba. We are motivated to follow his examples because Baba Fasoranti is a light unto our paths.
“I particularly thank Baba for his support for me, his guidance and encouragement during the campaigns for the presidency of Nigeria. He gave me confidence and demonstrated total support. When I visited him in Akure after I won my party’s ticket, I told him to still stay long enough with us to see a great Nigeria that his generation worked hard and fought for. I made a pledge to Baba and all Nigerians that I will work day and night to fulfill the promise of a greater country.
“I remain resolutely committed to that promise, even as I’m delighted that Baba is still very much around with us.
“I join the children, entire family, friends, associates and Afenifere men and women to wish Baba a glorious 97th birthday.”
Office of President-elect
Tunde Rahman
May 11, 2023
Akeredolu To Pa Fasoranti @97: Your Impeccable Service To Nigeria, Yorubaland Will Remain A Reference Point
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has congratulated the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 97th birthday, describing him as a reference point for quality leadership.
Governor Akeredolu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Thursday, said Pa Fasoranti is a committed and patriotic Nigerian whose passion and dedication to nation-building and national development is undisputable.
According to the Governor, despite his old age, the nonagenarian statesman is still committed to the nation’s democratic development and gains.
“Pa Fasoranti is our pride in Yorubaland. He is a leader and father of our race. We embrace his tenets and steadfastness. His passion for the development and progress of the country is commendable.
“Despite old age, Pa Fasoranti has continued to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our land and the country. He is not just a Yoruba leader; his foresight, commitment, and unwavering faith in humanity are unrivalled.
“Baba’s experience and advice are most desirable. He has navigated, over the years, the political terrain of our country. His wisdom, high moral value, and beliefs are essential guides for desired development. “ the statement reads.
The Governor also rejoiced with Pa Fasonrati for witnessing the return of the nation’s Presidency to the Southwest, praying God to give him good health and peace of mind to partake in the joy of ‘Renewed Hope’ that accompanies the new regime.
HAPPY 97TH BIRTHDAY BABA
Here is wishing a happy birthday to a distinguished elder statesman, leader of men and mentor to generations, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, as he clocks 97 years of age today.
Baba has been blessed by God to continue to attain great milestones, having spent the best part of his life on community service and mentoring generations of leaders.
I wish you many happy returns in good health and happiness sir.
Signed
Hon. (Prince) Ademola Adegoroye
Minister of State for Transportation
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
KEKEMEKE CELEBRATES BABA FASORANTI
The National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of the APC, Hon. D.I. Kekemeke has on Thursday 11th May, 2023; congratulated Pa Rueben Famuyide Fasoranti on the auspicious occasion of his 97th birthday.
Kekemeke in a statement from his office as signed by Jerry Sola-Akinuli described Pa Fasoranti as a pan Nigerian nationalist who has lived most of his life to promote democratic ideals right from his university days where he was a prominent member of Chief Obafemi Awolowo led Action Group.
According to the southwest APC numero uno executive member, Pa Fasoranti is a sharp-witted school administrator, who have played prominent roles in educational development in the country especially in southwest where he spent the major part of his professional life as a teacher and school principal with an indelible imparts in the life of as many students whom paths crossed his’ while in the service.
While highlighting his political involvements, Hon. D.I. Kekemeke saluted Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to service; when he served as commissioner for finance under the Pa Micheal Adekunle Ajasin administration as governor of old Ondo State. He also praised him for his achievements as the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere where his courageous stance on many national issues as affecting the Yoruba nation is outstanding.
As Baba turns 97, Kekemeke said, we cannot but be grateful to God the Almighty for his protection, love and care that he has showered upon him and his household thus far; “we also pray that God in his infinite mercies shall continue to preserve him to see more years in sound health and vitality until Baba crosses the Rubicon to attain the centenary age. Congratulations! And Happy Birthday Sir.”
