The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside the leadership of the prominent socio-cultural group Afenifere, has expressed strong support for the newly established South West Development Commission, which was championed by Otunba Senator Gbenga Daniel in the National Assembly.
During a visit to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, led by Afenifere chieftain Senator Femi Okurounmu to commemorate the Ooni’s 50th birthday, the group commended the National Assembly for passing the bill establishing the Commission. Okurounmu, speaking on behalf of Afenifere’s national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, emphasized that the Commission is expected to address the region’s pressing infrastructural challenges.
Okurounmu also praised President Bola Tinubu for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and urged him to extend similar efforts to critical routes in the region, including the Ibadan/Ife/Akure/Owo/Ado Ekiti highways. He highlighted Afenifere’s expectation that the South West Development Commission will spearhead significant developmental strides in Yorubaland.
“We are grateful to the National Assembly for passing the South West Development Commission bill and believe it will play a pivotal role in tackling the infrastructural issues facing the region. We also appreciate President Tinubu for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction and urge him to prioritize other vital roads across Yorubaland,” Okurounmu stated.
While acknowledging the difficult economic climate, Okurounmu affirmed Afenifere’s support for President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to steer the nation through these challenges. He also noted that Afenifere is taking proactive steps to strengthen its role in serving the interests of both the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi lauded Afenifere’s historical contributions to protecting Yoruba interests and called for the group’s continued support of Tinubu, especially through providing insights to guide his administration. The Ooni also stressed the need for greater unity among the Yoruba people, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in fostering regional development.
He encouraged all Nigerians to contribute their part as the government works to improve the nation, noting that development is a shared responsibility.
Present during the visit were notable figures, including Gen. Olu Bajowa, Abagun Kole Omololu, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, and Senator Iyiola Omisore, among others.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
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