By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birthday, recalling how the nonagenarian prayed for his emergence as President before the 2023 election.

In a personally signed statement issued on Sunday to mark Fasoranti’s centenary on May 11, Tinubu described the elder statesman as “our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader,” while thanking him for years of support and prayers.

“At the start of my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure,” Tinubu said. “Baba prayed for my electoral victory, saying he would live to witness my ascension to the presidency. God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office.”

The President described Fasoranti’s life as “a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership,” praising his contributions to education, politics, and the pro-democracy struggle.

“My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti attain the milestone age of 100,” Tinubu stated, adding that the elder statesman “deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country.”

Tinubu traced Fasoranti’s educational background to the former University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, as well as institutions in the United Kingdom and Australia, noting his early commitment to education and school development.

He said Fasoranti left enduring footprints in the education sector through his service as a teacher and the establishment of schools in Ondo State, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy in Akure.

The President also highlighted Fasoranti’s political journey as a disciple of late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, recalling his involvement in the defunct Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

Between 1979 and 1983, Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the administration of late Governor Adekunle Ajasin.

“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances,” Tinubu said.

The President further commended Fasoranti’s role during the military era, describing him as one of the voices that resisted dictatorship and advocated for democracy and Yoruba unity through Afenifere.

“Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land,” he stated.

Tinubu also recalled the personal tragedies Fasoranti endured, including the death of his wife and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, in 2019, saying the elder statesman had remained resilient despite the losses.

“Above all, I thank Pa Fasoranti for his service to Nigeria,” the President added while praying for “many more years” for the centenarian.