The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Sunday paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, expressing appreciation for the president’s efforts to reposition Nigeria globally.
The monarch also backed the administration’s proposed forest guard security structure, citing its potential to enhance lasting peace and investor confidence.
During the visit, Oba Ogunwusi commended Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting improvements in Nigeria’s international standing, particularly in foreign investment and macroeconomic policy stability.
“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out, no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market,” he said, noting that the country is now more attractive to investors.
The Ooni emphasized the crucial role traditional rulers play in nation-building, urging them to lead by example and work with the government to inspire hope in Nigerian youth.
“We traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youth,” he said.
On security, Oba Ogunwusi expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s efforts, praising the proposed restructuring of the Forest Guard system.
“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south,” he said. “Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria.”
The monarch hailed Tinubu’s push for economic reforms and grassroots security reinforcement amid ongoing national challenges, describing the president as “a bold president committed to a better Nigeria.”
Oba Ogunwusi urged Nigerians to adopt a more optimistic outlook saying “It’s about time for all of us in Nigeria to come together and look at Nigeria as a cup half full, not half empty.”
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
