By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, expresses optimism of a bright future for Nigeria in 2026 and beyond.

Fasoranti stated this in his New Year message to Nigerians on Wednesday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Jare Ajayi.

The nonagenarian leader congratulated Nigerians for successfully navigating the challenges of 2025 and expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness the new year.

Fasoranti said: “Without doubt, every year comes with its own challenges. The year 2025 was not an exception.

“We thank the Almighty God for seeing us through the year and for counting us among those who are starting the new year, 2026.

“We have hope that we shall achieve much within the year and live beyond it by God’s grace.”

According to him, the year 2025 ended on a more positive note for the country compared to 2024, with indications that 2026 would be even better.

“The economy looked up going by certain indices. Security also improved towards the end of the year compared to the same period in the previous year.

“At the socio-economic level, hope was re-engendered in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Afenifere leader said.

Fasoranti recalled his earlier declaration during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary in October 2025, when he expressed confidence that the country would soon become one that its citizens would be proud of.

“Yes, although Nigeria has faced and is still facing challenges, there is a strong prospect that the nation will overcome them and come out stronger very soon by the grace of God,” he said.

He said his optimism was anchored on the determination of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to consolidate Nigeria’s developmental strides, the resilience of Nigerians, the country’s abundant resources and divine mercy.

“We believe that the positive impacts of the Tinubu administration’s policies are already being felt and that more concrete effects will manifest in the New Year.

While felicitating with Nigerians on the occasion of the New Year, Fasoranti urged the government to intensify efforts at securing lives and property and to decisively tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.

He also called for policies that would further enhance the well-being of the people.

He enjoined Nigerians to remain hopeful, citing ongoing efforts to establish state police and grant greater autonomy to local government councils as measures capable of improving security and strengthening governance at the grassroots.

“These initiatives, when fully implemented, will enhance security and promote good governance across the country,” Fasoranti said. (NAN)