By Ikemefune Francis, Osun
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has been appointed as the ‘Royal Father of The Largest Black Nation In The World’, by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
The honour was bestowed on the Ooni at the Extra-Elective Congress of the NYCN, which held at the Calabar Municipal Government Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State.
At the congress with the theme; Harmonization for Unity and Progress, Ooni Ogunwusi reiterated his commitment to youth development and nation building.
Represented by 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.
“When I hosted you last year, I promised to open up doors of opportunities for you and even bring down barriers militating against your growth.”
The Ooni’s representatives revealed that the monarch has ensured that Nigerian youths are well placed in the society particularly towards the attainment of leadership positions nationwide adding that in the recently concluded security summit held in Abuja, the Ooni emphatically called for massive inclusion.
They explained that the Ooni’s appointment would further motivate the him to do more in his services to the country through the youth.
They hinted that the royal father only demanded unity, willingness to sacrifice for the growth of Nigeria and consistence adding that he is confident that immeasurable successes would be recorded going further.
Earlier in his address, the Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Sunday Dare, described the Ooni as a unique gift given to Nigeria by God Almighty.
Represented by the Director of Network and Social Mobilisation Department, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Amina Muh’d Dauran, the Minister urged the Ooni not to relent in his efforts towards for 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.”
While making the presentation on behalf of other members of the NYCN, the council’s president, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, explained that the honour was 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 respect 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.