Ooni of Ife passes strong message to Nigerians

November 8, 2024

In his most recent message, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, called on Nigerians to stop complaining about the government and the state of the nation and start contributing positively towards the development of communities and the country in its entirety. This call is made at a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet and when so many societies are experiencing unrest and instability.

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The Ooni’s message is in harmony with the prevailing comments where leaders and citizens realize the importance of a nation’s collective responsibility.

The Ooni of Ife said this at the commissioning of the second branch of Ojaja Moore Mall inside Osogbo Osun State. He accepted the challenges that surrounded the Nigerians, noting that was more so with the current hard economic times, but assured them that there was hope if only they could exercise restraint and wait.

Ooni of Ife

On a serious note, he said, “My advice for the government is to try harder, but we should learn to exercise patience.” He noted that while certain policies were tough in the near term, they were strategic for the future.

Among the areas of focus that the Ooni of Ife highlighted in his speech was the question of the efficient organization of the community and the promotion of private endeavors. He urged the citizens to stop grouping all their problems under the government’s basin of responsibility to solve. Instead, he tried to motivate people and organizations to become active participants in the societal change processes. ”What is required now is every hand on deck in our nation,” he said, also noting the traditional rulers and community leaders on employment and local economy support.

This aspect of the Ooni’s view on the subject is especially timely considering the prevailing market conditions today. More specifically, such trends as unemployment and inflation place great importance on the promotion of the private sector as a critical source of employment and growth. He pointed out that many youths are already occupied with manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

‘‘Yes, we can do it in Nigeria if we are very dedicated and committed’’, he affirmed, and he challenged the youths to take up the mantle to innovate and ensure that all is done locally.

The Ooni’s statement, “Stop blaming the government,” upholds this idea that government policies and actions are vital, but so is everyone else. It disapproves the conventional view that citizens are mere victims who lack any influence over issues arising from governmental failure. Rather, it fosters a culture of responsibility and motion. As the Ooni put it,

“This is something that needs to be done to supplement the government other than simply accusing the government”

The Ooni also mentioned another value expressed by the Yoruba people, the value of patience, particularly when one is in hardship. He affirmed the fact that the current government that is headed by President Bola Tinubu is in the process of implementing policies, some of which are likely to take time before yielding positive results.

“We understand that things are tough, but the current government, which is led by President Bola Tinubu, has policies that we will benefit from in the long run.’’

Through the promotion of youth participation in community projects and startups, the Ooni of Ife is promoting self-employment and responsibility. “There should also be no exemption for even the traditional rulers on employment creation. It is a call for all sectors in society to support and contribute to the development of the youths,” he said.

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Popularizing community engagement enhances innovations and resilience among Nigerians; hence, a better future is within reach. In the words of the Ooni,