Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Aiyedatiwa, Osoba honour Fasoranti at centenary celebration

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, and other eminent Yoruba leaders on Friday gathered in Lagos to honour elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as he marked his 100th birthday.

The dignitaries and members of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, converged on the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, for the centenary celebration and lecture organised in honour of the centenarian.

The event featured lectures under the theme, “A Century of Courage and Stewardship of Yoruba Democratic Legacy.”

President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said Fasoranti’s contributions could not be limited to the Yoruba race, noting that his influence extended across Nigeria.

“I bring you good tidings from Mr President. I want to thank all of you.

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“When I asked Mr President what I would say, he said words could never be sufficient to describe or appreciate our revered father. When you have spoken, I have spoken. So, whatever I say today, just take it that Mr President has spoken.

“The gathering here says a lot about who Pa Fasoranti is. He is a man of diverse parts. He is a pillar of Yoruba culture and democracy. The life and times of Pa Fasoranti cannot be viewed parochially or limited to the Yoruba race. That would be a great disservice to him and the Yoruba race.

“The history of Nigeria can never be written without his name being written in gold. His name can never be erased. I pray that your future years will be better than your latter years.

“Chapter after chapter, in countless volumes, can be written about Pa Fasoranti. The President appreciates Pa Fasoranti for his invaluable advice and contributions to his life.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, called for the formulation of a development agenda for the South-West.

Hamzat said leaders of the region must work together to develop a coordinated plan backed by adequate budgeting.

He said, “How do we, as Yoruba people, come together to develop the region? We cannot plan development without a budget. The committee on budget must help us plan these things. We thank God that we have a President who can help us. If we do this, we will project the South-West region better. We must work together as a team and not move at our own pace. We must have a developmental agenda for the South-West.”

Hamzat also congratulated Fasoranti, attributing his longevity to God’s grace.

“We thank God for His grace upon the life of Pa Fasoranti,” he said.

In his remarks, Aiyedatiwa congratulated Fasoranti on attaining the milestone and commended his deep knowledge and recollection of national events.

“Pa Fasoranti has exemplified good morals throughout his life. I am joining you today to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone of an illustrious son of Ondo State. He is one of the enduring custodians of the values and culture of the Yoruba race.

“Living for a century is a rare gift, but living for a century while contributing to knowledge and upholding democratic ideas and values is an even greater achievement. He is a national asset. He belongs to a generation of Nigerian patriots whose lives have not merely been about occupying public offices, but about positively impacting generations.

“Pa Fasoranti has remained a man of conviction. This celebration is, therefore, a moment of remembrance and thanksgiving for a meaningful life dedicated to national development and the advancement of democracy.”

Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, also congratulated the centenarian, describing the attainment of 100 years as a rare blessing.