December 31, 2025
By Ademola Adekusibe
The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, CFR, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future will be brighter in 2026 and beyond.
The nonagenarian statesman made the declaration in his New Year message to Nigerians, released through Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, as the country prepares to enter 2026.
Congratulating Nigerians for surviving the year 2025, Fasoranti said every year comes with its own challenges, noting that 2025 was no exception.
“Without doubt, every year comes with its own challenges. 2025 was not an exception. We thank the Almighty God for seeing us through the year. We thank the Almighty God for counting us among those who are starting the new year, 2026. We have the hope of being among those who will survive the year, achieve a lot within the year and live beyond the year 2026 by God’s grace, amen,” he said.
According to him, the year 2025 ended on a better note for Nigeria compared to 2024, expressing confidence that 2026 will be even more positive.
“The economy looked up going by certain indices. Security was better as the last month of the year rolled to an end compared to the same period of the previous year. At the socio-economic level, hope was re-engendered in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Fasoranti stated.
The Afenifere leader reiterated his earlier declaration made in October during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, where he expressed confidence that Nigeria would soon become a nation its citizens would be proud of.
“Yes, although Nigeria has faced – and is still facing – challenges, there is the prospect that it will overcome these challenges and come out strong very soon by the grace of God,” he added.
Ajayi said Fasoranti’s optimism is anchored on the determination of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to consolidate Nigeria’s developmental strides, the resilience and never-say-die spirit of Nigerians, the country’s abundant resources, and what he described as God’s continued mercy on the nation.
The elder statesman noted that the positive impacts of the Tinubu administration’s policies are already being felt, adding that more concrete results are expected in the new year.
While rejoicing with Nigerians on the occasion of the New Year, Fasoranti urged the government to intensify efforts in securing lives and property, end terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, and improve the general well-being of citizens.
He also called on Nigerians to remain optimistic, citing ongoing efforts toward the establishment of state police and plans to grant greater autonomy to local government councils as steps aimed at strengthening security and improving governance at the grassroots level.
