The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission held a special lecture in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday to mark the 100th birthday of Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere. Mr Fasoranti will turn 100 on May 11. The event, part of DAWN's decade-long "Yoruba Historical Conversation" series, had the theme "A Century of Witness: Yoruba Political Culture, Leadership and the Conscience of a Nation". DAWN's Director-General, Oluseye Oyeleye, said the lecture aimed to reconnect Nigeria's present struggles with its historical roots. "One of the challenges we have as a country is that we have actually relegated our history. I am saying that if you don't know where you are coming from, you will struggle to know where you are presently, and you will definitely not know where you are going," Mr Oyeleye said.
Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, daughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, described Mr Fasoranti as a rare gem committed to service. "They had a rare commitment to service. A rare commitment to community and to others. They came from a generation in which they asked for nothing, and they gave everything," she said. Senator Femi Okunrounmu, speaking for Afenifere, called the lecture timely and said it opened a new chapter in public engagement. He urged the six Southwest governors to hold a summit on insecurity and hunger. Wale Oshun, Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group, praised Mr Fasoranti's philosophy of progressive welfarism. University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale hailed him as one of the institution's most distinguished alumni.
Femi Okunrounmu calls for a Southwest summit on insecurity and hunger while celebrating a leader from a generation that gave everything, yet today's public service often serves self first. The same governors being urged to act were not mentioned as attending the lecture honouring a man who lived the ideals they are now asked to revive. If regional unity is urgent, then the absence of those in power at such symbolic events speaks louder than the call itself. Honouring a century of service means nothing if the current crop cannot emulate it.
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