Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on becoming Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Commission of West Africa States (ECOWAS).
During its 63rd extraordinary meeting in Guinea Bissau on July 9, 2023, President Tinubu was overwhelmingly elected regional body chairperson.
In a congratulatory statement sent by Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, Afenifere urged Tinubu to adopt the welfarist ideals in his platform, which he discussed with them in Akure in October 2022.
The organization expressed confidence that Tinubu’s election as ECOWAS Chairman would allow him to boost Nigeria’s position in the subregion and improve the lives of Nigerians and Africans worldwide.
That gave Tinubu priorities to return Nigeria to greatness.
Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, listed the organization’s priorities as addressing the country’s insecurity, high cost of living, high unemployment rate, social and economic dislocation, declining agriculture, infrastructural deficit, high tariff and irregular electricity supply, and urgent need to revamp the education and health sectors.
He remarked, “Afenifere aligns with President Tinubu’s goal as it connects with the organization’s worldview. Noble social and cultural activities lead to people-centered politics. People-centered government policies enable people-oriented programmes.”
The message stated, “Afenifere is optimistic that President Tinubu will use the opportunity he has as Nigeria’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS to better the lot of Nigerians and uplift the conditions of the region’s citizens to ensure that Nigerians and Africans generally experience a new lease of life that everyone would be happy about.
“Afenifere prioritizes Yoruba interests and people’s wellbeing. The philosophy encompasses Omoluabi and life-more-abundant-for-all.
Yoruba interests align with those of most Nigerians. Yoruba values equality, justice, and fairness. They believe in peaceful coexistence where no one threatens others. Yoruba Democrats also support the right of any Nigerian nationality to govern themselves within the federal system. The restructuring was our goal.
Afenifere is a philosophy, not a political party, since its concept transcends partisan politics. As a political party, Afenifere excludes non-members. Afenifere is for Yoruba adults who want to pursue Yoruba interests and join the top Yoruba organization.
“We may support political ideas that match our ideology since most social programmes to improve people’s lives need government policy. As we know, governments are founded exclusively via political procedures in our era.”
