Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the esteemed leader of the Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, has voiced his strong approval of President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office, stating that the president has surpassed his expectations. This commendation came during a visit by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu to Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, Ondo State. The 98-year-old statesman’s endorsement carries significant weight, reflecting the sentiment within a prominent Yoruba group and adding to the growing chorus of support for the Tinubu administration. He expressed satisfaction with the direction of the government, offering prayers for the President’s continued success and highlighting a sense of optimism surrounding the administration’s initiatives.
The First Lady’s visit to Pa Fasoranti was characterized as informal, underscoring the personal connection between the Tinubu family and the respected Yoruba leader. She conveyed President Tinubu’s greetings, emphasizing the deep respect they both hold for Fasoranti. The visit, however, was not solely a courtesy call; it was strategically timed to coincide with the First Lady’s broader two-day official trip to Ondo State. This visit formed part of a wider engagement strategy, aiming to connect with key stakeholders and promote the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a platform focused on health and empowerment programs.
Senator Tinubu’s itinerary in Ondo State included a significant meeting with over 60 traditional rulers. Led by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, representing the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, the gathering showcased the administration’s engagement with traditional authorities. The monarchs, influential figures within their communities, echoed Fasoranti’s positive assessment of President Tinubu’s performance, further solidifying support for the administration at the grassroots level. Their endorsement of the President’s re-election bid, along with their commendation of the First Lady’s initiatives, demonstrates a strategic alignment of political and traditional power structures.
The centerpiece of the First Lady’s visit was the launch of several RHI initiatives targeting healthcare professionals and women entrepreneurs. At a ceremony held at The Dome in Akure, Senator Tinubu presided over the distribution of 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs to midwives across the South-West geopolitical zone, a tangible demonstration of the RHI’s commitment to supporting frontline healthcare workers. This initiative complements the Federal Government’s broader retraining program for 120,000 health workers, with nearly half already having completed the training. The provision of these professional kits signifies not only material support but also recognition of the crucial role midwives play in healthcare delivery.
Beyond healthcare, the RHI also focused on empowering women economically. A N50 million grant was presented to the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for disbursement to 1,000 women petty traders under the RHI Small Business Recapitalization Program. This injection of funds aims to bolster small businesses, primarily run by women, contributing to economic growth at the local level. Furthermore, 200 women received bales of fabric to support their businesses, providing them with the raw materials to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods. These targeted interventions reflect the RHI’s multifaceted approach to empowering women and fostering economic independence.
In her keynote address, Senator Tinubu praised the dedication of frontline health workers and emphasized the importance of continuous training and professional development. She highlighted the synergy between the RHI’s support program and the Federal Government’s wider healthcare initiatives, showcasing a coordinated effort to strengthen the healthcare system. Governor Aiyedatiwa, in expressing his gratitude for the Federal Government’s interventions in Ondo State, cited the upgrade of the Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education and the establishment of an Airforce School in Akure as examples of the administration’s commitment to education and infrastructure development. These developments further cemented the positive relationship between the federal and state governments and highlighted the tangible benefits of collaboration.
