The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerian youth to cultivate a strong belief in the country and actively support products and services made locally.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to take pride in and prioritize locally-made goods as a means of fostering national growth and economic stability.
Oba Ogunwusi conveyed this message during a recent visit to the newly completed Ojaja Park in Akure, Ondo State, where he hosted prominent figures such as former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah. The Ooni explained that the park, a massive urban development project, reflects his commitment to youth empowerment and the use of Nigerian-made materials.
Highlighting the scale of Ojaja Park, which spans 100,000 square meters, Oba Ogunwusi shared that nearly all materials used in the construction were sourced locally. He addressed common misconceptions about Nigerian products, asserting that the high quality of local materials can match or even surpass international standards. “This project shows what is possible in Nigeria when we believe in our capabilities,” he said. “Ojaja Park is a testament to the potential of Nigerian-made goods and skilled labor.”
The Ooni also expressed that employing thousands of young people at the park aligns with his focus on youth development, explaining that projects like this help combat unemployment and build skills among Nigeria’s younger generation. The park, once an abandoned piece of land, has been transformed into a vibrant hub with diverse facilities, including residential areas, a school, a shopping mall, hotels, and recreational areas.
Through Ojaja Park, the Ooni hopes to inspire confidence in the nation’s ability to tackle its housing deficit. “When we believe in ourselves and our country, we can achieve so much more. Nigeria has the resources, and with projects like this, we show that we can develop our land to meet our needs,” he remarked.
In his vision for the park, Oba Ogunwusi emphasized the importance of building trust in Nigerian-made products, as well as his broader mission of providing a self-sustaining, locally crafted environment for Nigerians. “Here, we’ve established a model for integrated urban living,” he stated. “Everything you see here is made in Nigeria by Nigerian hands. We know the quality of our work and have full confidence in our local manufacturers.”
Ojaja Park, the Ooni explained, is designed to be a beacon of national pride, underscoring the importance of supporting local industry and empowering Nigeria’s youth. By investing in homegrown resources and talents, the Ooni aims to reshape perceptions and demonstrate that quality, innovation, and progress can flourish within Nigeria.
