Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday arrived in Akure to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 100th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), it was disclosed that, “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 also emphasised Fasoranti’s political legacy and historical significance, stating that “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.”
Nkwocha added that the Vice President’s presence was aimed at delivering the Federal Government’s goodwill to the elder statesman, saying, “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.”
Shettima was received at the Akure Airport by Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Dapo Abiodun, alongside other political dignitaries.
Before the Vice President’s arrival, security operatives had already been stationed at strategic points across the state capital.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the deployment of a “watertight security arrangement” to maintain order and safety during the visit.
According to police spokesperson Jimoh, the security measures were put in place “to prevent any form of security breach and ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.”
