The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to shift away from a culture of blame toward one of proactive engagement in improving the country.
Speaking on Friday at the official launch of Ojaja City in Akure, the monarch shared his views on the need for citizens to play an active role in nation-building rather than depending solely on the government for progress.
Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized that his commitment to the country was a driving force behind the Ojaja City project, which aims to address Nigeria’s ongoing housing shortage. According to him, the project serves as a model to demonstrate what can be achieved when people come together with determination and a shared vision. He noted that the purpose of the unveiling was to communicate to Nigerians that with a strong will, challenges can be overcome, and meaningful results can be achieved for the betterment of society.
He said, “A lot of good things can happen in this country if we put faith in ourselves and in the potential of Nigeria. We need to believe that Nigerians are capable of bringing about positive change. When we stop relying on external solutions and start focusing on what we can achieve with our resources, we’ll see our housing deficit and other challenges begin to reduce gradually.”
The Ooni also highlighted the urgent need for solutions that utilize local materials and labor, particularly in the housing sector. He believes that depending on foreign imports and international resources can limit progress and further deepen the nation’s issues. “We must invest in Nigeria by buying Nigerian-made products, producing locally, and building locally to meet our housing needs,” he said.
Ojaja City, which spans over 100,000 square meters, is designed as a self-sustained community and serves as a proof of concept for what’s achievable in Nigeria with local resources and expertise. The monarch spoke passionately about the potential of this project to inspire similar developments nationwide, calling it “a city within a city.” He explained that the project is not merely about physical buildings but is meant to inspire a shift in mindset—showing Nigerians that they can take ownership of the country’s progress.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s general approach to national issues, the Ooni challenged Nigerians, including media outlets, to avoid a mindset focused solely on critiquing the government. He suggested that while it is easy to fault the government, real change requires the participation of every citizen. “We are always quick to blame the government,” he observed, “but the real question is: what are we doing individually for our beloved country?”
He urged Nigerians to look inward and recognize their own power and responsibility in contributing to the nation’s success. He pointed out that the solution to many of Nigeria’s challenges might not lie entirely in government intervention but in each citizen’s willingness to invest time, resources, and effort into making the country a better place. “Nigeria will be in a much better position if we all rise up and support the government at all levels rather than waiting for solutions to come from above.”
The Ooni’s message was one of empowerment and unity, encouraging Nigerians to cultivate a spirit of resilience and self-sufficiency. His remarks underscored the notion that, by working together with a shared commitment to progress, citizens can help the country overcome its difficulties. As the Ojaja City project continues to take shape, it symbolizes a vision of Nigeria’s potential—a country that can develop solutions to its challenges from within, driven by the ingenuity, determination, and collaborative spirit of its people.
