BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
President Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to foremost Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on attaining 100 years.
In his congratulatory message on Sunday, President Tinubu said that Pa Fasoranti deserved all the encomiums on his special day.
His statement reads: "My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti, our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader, attain the milestone age of 100 on May 11.
"Baba Fasoranti deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country.
"Pa Fasoranti has distinguished himself in all respects: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes. His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership," he added.
Tinubu described Pa Fasoranti as one that understood the value of education as a catalyst for personal and societal development early in life.
Pa Fasoranti bagged a degree in English/Geography at the University College in Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), a postgraduate diploma in Education at the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and a Master’s in Education Administration and School Management at Maguire University, Sydney, Australia.
The President noted that Pa Fasoranti has enduring legacies and footprints in education, as evidenced in his service as a teacher in his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School in the Ondo-Akure axis, and in his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School, and later St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba, Akure, which he founded in memory of his late wife.
"Papa, however, had a greater impact through his political activities, activism, and vision. A disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, Pa Fasoranti belonged to the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and to the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.
"Between 1979 and 1983, in the UPN administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin in old Ondo State, Baba Fasoranti served meritoriously as Commissioner for Finance.
"It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state's finances.
"Owing to his fervent belief in Awolowo’s vision, the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, emphasising the significance of good conduct and ideals, and his consistency, Baba was to play even more prominent roles in the post-Second Republic era, an era of the locusts when the military usurped political power.
"Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land.
"He became one of the leading lights in Afenifere, agitating for Yoruba unity, solidarity and development.
"When Afenifere was factionalised after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Pa Fasoranti became the authentic leader of that pan-Yoruba socio-political group, one whose voice is highly respected and with whom many identified. To this date, Baba remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere.
"Pa Fasoranti faced many challenges in his chequered life, including an assassination attempt on him by agents of the late General Sani Abacha regime. Baba emerged from the unsuccessful attempt even stronger and more resilient against the tyranny and oppression of the military.
"However, age, the death in 1991 of his wife, with whom he shared a deep love, and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019 have all slowed down Baba. Pa Fasoranti weathered the storms, and he is soldiering on," he said.
While praying that God Almighty will keep Baba for many more years due to his intrinsic worth, he appreciated him for his support over the years and for his continued prayers, particularly in his journey to the presidency.
Tinubu informed that at the start of his campaign for the presidency, he visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State capital.
He noted that Baba prayed for his electoral victory, saying that he would live to witness his ascension to the presidency.
"God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office," Tinubu added.
He thanked Pa Fasoranti for his prayers, his belief in his vision, and his continued support for the Renewed Hope Administration, as well as his service to Nigeria.
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