The Federal Government of Nigeria yesterday night called The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, to build on his commendable efforts at mentoring and unifying Nigerian youths.
Minister of youths, Sunday Dare made the call Tuesday night in Calabar, capital of Cross River State, when the National Youths Council of Nigeria had converged for their Extra-Elective Congress and appointed the Ooni as their life patron and ‘Royal Father of The Largest Black Nation In The World’,
Dare, represented by the Director of Network and Social Mobilization Department, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Amina Muhd Dauran, described the Ooni as a unique gift from God to Nigeria.
“We want to urge the Ooni not to relent in his efforts towards the youth of Nigeria.
“The Ooni has come at a time when the country needs efficient leadership and a strong unifying force in this trying time of our country. We pray that the Almighty God grants him a healthy long life to fulfill all the goodness in his heart.” The Minister prayed.
NYCN president, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, who conferred the recognition on the Ooni, explained that the honour is beyond mere award as it has been gazetted that the Ooni is the NYCN’s life patron.
“It was enshrined in the constitution because of the Ooni’s youthful disposition that he has shown over the years and this award is the highest award being given to a traditional ruler in Nigeria.
“We are proud to announce the Ooni to the entire world, this is a message that the Ooni whom we have recognize should be respected maximally across the world. We know he has the heart of the young people and we are proud to be associated with him for life.” Sara-Igbe Sukubo noted.
Earlier, the Ooni Ogunwusi reiterated his commitment to youth development and nation building.
The Ooni of Ife was represented by two kings of Ife kingdom, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan.
Ooni Ogunwusi explained that his decision to dedicate the ancient throne of Oduduwa to youth emancipation, is to give the needed mentorship to the youth towards prosperity.
Oba Addekunle said, “When he (The Ooni) hosted you last year, he promised to open up doors of opportunities for you and even bring down barriers militating against your growth, a careful look at the beautiful promise shows that Baba (the Ooni) has done a lot.
“Aside from those he (the Ooni) has been doing in the private to ensure that Nigerian youths are well placed in the society particularly towards attaining leadership positions nationwide, I am sure you all are aware of the security summit held recently in Abuja where the Ooni emphatically called for massive inclusion.” The Oore of Otun-Ekiti noted.
In the same vein, the Alapomu of Apomu explained that the appointment would further motivate the Ooni to do more in his services to the country through the youth.
“You have just done well by sending loads of appreciation to Baba (Ooni) through this appointment and I sure he won’t let you down.
“All that the Ooni is asking you for is unity, willingness to sacrifice for the growth of Nigeria and consistence. With these, I am confident that immeasurable successes would be recorded going further.” Oba Kayode Adenekan added.