Francesca Odimgbe
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Pa Reuben Fasoranti, an elder statesman and Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on his centenary birthday celebration.
He described Pa Fasoranti, who will clock 100 on Monday, May 11, as a committed leader and one of the tested and trusted surviving disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who is worthy of being celebrated for his contribution to the growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described Pa Fasoranti as a committed, respected and passionate leader whose work, particularly in education, leadership and public service, remains indelible.
He said Pa Fasoranti as a courageous and uncompromised elder statesman, has made positive impacts in the lives of many people as a Yoruba leader, adding that his commitment to public service and community development is commendable.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the people of Yorubaland respect and appreciate Papa Reuben Fasoranti’s leadership as Afenifere leader for many years, adding that they are happy to celebrate and associate proudly with him on his 100th birthday.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the South-West, I congratulate Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his centenary birthday celebration.
“Papa Fasoranti has made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and has done great exploits as the Leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.
“He has devoted and committed himself to the Nigeria Project since his active years. We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism, and good governance, which he has championed and fought for many decades.
“The people of the South-West of Nigeria are proud to celebrate Baba Reuben Fasoranti’s centenary birthday because it is not everybody that is blessed to attain that old age in great health and sound mind, but it has pleased God to preserve Baba to celebrate 100.
“As Pa Reuben Fasoranti celebrates his centenary birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in his old age.”