Fasoranti told me I would be President in his Lifetime, God answered his Prayer - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Reuben Fasoranti, elder statesman and foremost leader of Afenifere, who died at 100.

Tinubu ​‌‌​‍‌‍⁠⁠‍‌​​‍‍​‌‌‌​expressed his condolences in a message personally signed by him on Tuesday in Abuja.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.”

The President described Fasoranti as an icon of principle and one of the last great figures in the progressive political tradition of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He said the deceased’s century-long life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Tinubu recalled Fasoranti’s contributions as an educationist, school principal, Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and leader of Afenifere.

He said Fasoranti remained committed to true federalism, social justice and a Nigeria that worked for all.

“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.”

The President said Nigeria would miss the elder statesman’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, particularly at a time when his guidance was needed.

Tinubu recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday on May 11, describing it as a celebration of longevity and a legacy of honour.

He also recalled visiting the elder statesman at his Akure residence in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.

“I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.”

Tinubu said he had hoped Fasoranti would live to witness his second term and the anticipated benefits of economic growth and prosperity.

“But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment.”

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and all those mourning him.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Our Father's Death-Wish Covenant with God - Fasoranti Family

Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest child of the late Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, said that his father had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.

Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), disclosed this when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader at his residence in Akure on Tuesday night.

Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening in his house in Ijapo, Akure.

The SSG said that his father had repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining the age of 100.

“Baba often told us that he had a covenant with God that whenever he got to 100, he would go. He repeatedly told us that when he died, we should not cry.

“We are not mourning Baba, we are rejoicing.

“Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,” he said.

The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who was actively involved in the upbringing and education of his children.

He said the family would greatly miss the wise counsel of the late nationalist, whom he described as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts “quietly but effectively.”

He appreciated Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family during this period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.

Speaking, Aiyedatiwa described the late Afenifere leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain indelible.

“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a great educator whose positive influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.

“We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,” he said.

The governor said the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life characterised by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.

Aiyedatiwa urged the family and other Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the deceased and continue to make meaningful contributions to society.

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Ebola in Abuja: FAAN firms up Health Surveillance at Nigerian Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is maintaining heightened vigilance across airport operations following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FAAN made the disclosure in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire in Lagos.

Agbebire said FAAN was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to support ongoing containment efforts.

He said the early identification of the case and commencement of contact tracing highlighted the importance of established public health protocols and effective inter-agency collaboration.

He added that FAAN would continue to coordinate with public health authorities, align its response with further guidance and support additional measures considered necessary to protect passengers, airport personnel and the wider public.

He urged passengers, airport users, airlines and other stakeholders to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with health officials.

The authority also advised the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.

FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant agencies to safeguard public health and ensure the safe operation of airports across the country.

Credit NAN; Texts excluding Headline