Nigeria Will Be Great – Fasoranti ….Says Yorubas Are Increasingly Becoming Conscious Of How To Liberate Black Race

The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, has declared that Nigeria will be great and will soon become a country that everyone would be proud of.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of the organization, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the nonagenarian stated this in the course of celebrating his 99th birthday in Akure at the weekend.

The ceremony held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure and in the nonagenarian’s home, both in Akure, capital of Ondo State.

Expressing gratitude to the Almighty God for sparing his life thus far, Fasoranti said that 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”.

The Asiwaju of Yoruba went further to say that his optimism about Nigeria’s future was based on inspiration and “the steps being taken by the present administration under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu… When Asiwaju 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.”

He added that his declaration that Nigeria is poised for greatness soonest was based on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the policies being implemented and the vision that Tinubu has and is pursuing with vigor.

Fasoranti also based his optimism on Nigeria’s greatness 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.”

Ajayi also quoted the Afenifere leader as stating that Yoruba race will continue to forge ahead. He urged the Yorubas not to relent because they remain the beacon for Africa….

“The future is very bright for the Yorubas as they are increasingly becoming conscious of the historic roles they are to play in the emancipation of the black race”.

It would be recalled that Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, turned 99 on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

A lecture which held at the Muti-Purpose Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) on Saturday was delivered by former Ogun State Governor who is also representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Daniel.

The title of the lecture was ‘A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture’.

In his tribute to the nonagenarian, President Bola Tinubu described the celebrant as a ‘model of exemplary leadership’.

Asserting that Fasoranti’s “political odyssey is deeply rooted in Yoruba ideals of honour, integrity and progressivism”, Tinubu expressed happiness that Papa Fasoranti “is alive to see the work we are doing to revamp our economy and set Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.”

Governors of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Ogun States eulogized the renowned educationist, adept administrator, a grass-rooted politician, an inimitable manager of human resources, a patriot and humanist who always strove not just to ease the pains of people but to empower them as much as possible.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State 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”.

Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde lauded the old man’s contributions to the emancipation of Yoruba ethnic group and progress of Nigeria and described him as a role model, a Leader and father who deserves to be celebrated.

On his part, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State asserted that Pa Fasoranti “is a great asset to the Yoruba race” and Nigeria just as Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebamiji stated that Pa Fasoranti “has displayed great exemplary leadership that is worthy of emulation”.

Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun respectively spoke along the same line.

According to them, the trajectory of the life of the elder statesman has shown him to be an exemplary personality as could be seen his courage, honesty, integrity unblemished record in the public service and devotion to humanity.

In his welcome address, chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Ondo State Branch that organized the Saturday lecture, Mr. Yinka Akinola said that his organization is proud of Pa Fasoranti as an alumni worthy of celebration.

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 want to make progress thrive on the strength of individuals like Fasoranti who embody that society’s ideals.

Chief host, Basorun 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”.

Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Mimiko, said that Fasoranti deserves all the accolades going by the immense contributions he has made to Ondo State, to education and his leadership style which is quite inspiring.

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Olu Aderounmu eulogized the old man “for his commitment to principled leadership style, human empowerment and community services”.

Chairman, Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye who is Olowo of Owo, said that Pa Fasoranti, through his actions and loyalty to noble ideals, have ingrained himself into the hearts of the people.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and current Olu of Abo, Ondo State, Oba Oluyemisi Falae, CFR, said that Pa Fasoranti is a veritable exemplar of the noble virtues encapsulated in Yoruba as Omoluabi ethos.