Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Akure, Ondo State, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 100th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the Akure Airport in Ondo State to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 100th birthday celebration of Chief (Dr.) Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.”
The statement described Fasoranti as one of the notable surviving disciples of late nationalist leader Obafemi Awolowo and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political history.
“The sage remained a disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, belonging to the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic, while serving as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State,” the statement noted.
Nkwocha added that the Vice President’s visit was aimed at conveying the goodwill of the Federal Government to the elder statesman in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development.
“The Vice President is on the ground to express the goodwill of the Federal Government to one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s socio-political trajectory,” he stated.
Shettima was received at the Akure Airport by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other political leaders.
Meanwhile, security agencies had earlier intensified security measures across strategic locations in Akure ahead of the Vice President’s visit.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that it deployed what it described as a “watertight security arrangement” to ensure adequate protection during the event.
According to police authorities, the operation was designed to prevent any security breach and guarantee a peaceful and smooth celebration.
