Shekinat Abubakar
The Association of Traditional Chiefs in Ekiti State says the legacy projects of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, within Nigeria and abroad will be unbeatable now and for generations to come.
The traditional chiefs from across the sixteen local government areas of Ekiti, led by their Chairman, High Chief Olu Ogunsakin, stated this during a visit to Ojaja Smart City along Airport Road and Ojaja Mall along Ado-Iworoko Road.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the Asolo of Ikole-Ekiti, High Chief Olu Ogunsakin, commended the Ooni of Ife for deeming it fit to invest in Ekiti State.
Chief Ogunsakin explained that the establishment of Ojaja Smart City and Ojaja Mall would further open Ekiti State to the international community and serve as a major source of employment opportunities for residents.
He described the Ooni as a blessing to Nigeria, especially the Yoruba race, saying his legacy and philanthropic nature were second to none.
According to him, the projects reflect the Ooni’s vision for youth empowerment, economic growth, and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage through modern infrastructure.
The traditional chiefs noted that the presence of such large-scale investments in Ekiti would boost commercial activities, attract investors, and reposition the state as a hub for tourism and enterprise.
Earlier, the person in charge of the projects, Alhaja Idiat Jamiu, said one thousand five hundred plots of land had been dedicated to the Ojaja Smart City.
She explained that the smart city would house different edifices including a resort, factories, and hotels, with the capacity to employ over two thousand people.
Also speaking, Mr. Fatai Jamiu, who oversees the bamboo component of the project, disclosed that bamboo would be used for all furniture in the Ojaja Smart City buildings to make the development exceptional and eco-friendly.
He added that the use of bamboo aligns with the Ooni’s commitment to sustainability and promotion of indigenous materials in modern construction.
During the visit, prayers were offered for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for long life, wisdom, and more accomplishments in his reign.
The chiefs pledged their continued support for the Ooni’s initiatives and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate his investment drive in Yorubaland.
