The leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, on Thursday lamented the high level of insecurity, unemployment and economic crunch in the country, saying that things had already gone worse.
Fasoranti, who spoke this at his country home of Akure, the Ondo state capital, while interacting with journalists, to mark the celebration of his 97th birthday, however, said Nigeria is still plagued with the mirage of problems hindering her development as the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari hands over power to a new government by May 29.
He revealed that he had dreamt of a prosperous Nigeria, considering the natural resources abound in the country but was yet to see any meaningful development.
The nonagenarian, who lost his daughter, Funke Olakunri, in a brutal attack on July 12, 2019, said he had experienced a bitter taste of life in his journey on earth.
“But I want the government to give priority to unemployment. People are not gainfully employed and things are getting worst every day I hope the government would try and look into it and the security of the land.
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“This is not the Nigeria of my dream, No. Things are getting worst, but we only hope those we are leaving behind would try and do their best because what we are seeing now is not good for the country at all.
“So, I have seen it all. I have seen the worst and I have seen the best. I lost my wife, I lost my daughter. She was shot dead but generally, I have to thank God for everything,” he added.
He, however, advised the incoming administration to ensure the restructuring of the country and ensured the welfare of the people is made a priority.
Earlier, the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, described Pa Fasoranti as a nationalist and community leader who has a passion for the development of the country.
He said, “This is a man created to be a leader. A leader in the church, a leader in the community, a leader in his ethnic nationality, and a leader at home. He is someone who has taught us how to lead.
“He listens very well; he aggregates views and comes out with very enlightened opinions, and we all queue behind him, so we have a lot of respect for him. Baba also teaches us how to live with humility and class. And also, this is a man who has taught us how to handle personal tragedy,” the former governor said.
“What else do you have to say other than thank God for his life? I pray to God that we will all be here to celebrate his centenary; we will all be looking forward to it, and I pray to God Almighty that even in his lifetime he will see progress in Nigeria.
“Behind his heart, he is very concerned about Nigeria. He hates poverty; he wants this country to develop; he wants Nigeria to fulfill its destiny.”
Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of the apex Yoruba group, Kole Omolou saluted the courage of the Afenifere leader who always speaking truth to power.
Omololu said his closeness to Pa Fasoranti has further taught him the benefits of being humble especially within your community.
“Throughout my stay in the United Kingdom, I didn’t have the opportunity of being very close to Obafemi Awolowo, and now I have the privilege of being close to this man (Fasoranti), who epitomizes what Obafemi Awolowo as the second Oduduwa epitomised for us: humbleness, service for community before self, egalitarian society for everybody, a leader that listens to all the members before he takes a decision. These are the kinds of things I love about Baba Fasoranti.
“There is a difference between this man and the lords. I have the opportunity to be with some lords of the United Kingdom, people who belong to the House of Lords through Chief MKO Abiola. And then I saw the way they behaved. They are men of virtue and honour. This is what Baba Fasoranti represents; there is no difference.”
