The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Monday played host to winners of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) award of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
During the event which took place at his Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi called on media practitioners nationwide to promote Nigeria through her youths especially those in the entrepreneural and creative sectors.
The Ooni who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, lamented that Nigeria’s positive sides are being under-reported while undue attention is given to the challenges confronting the country.
“Rather than being afraid of the President, Governors or other persons in position of authority, my fear is for the young ones whose fate cannot be decided by anyone no matter how highly placed.
“I wish to commend the Federal Government for honouring them this much and I call on the Mass media to help sell these idea-filled youths to the world. It is another way of taking a break out of the regular sad stories of bombing, looting and banditry.
“Youth development and capacity building is my oxygen, it is what gives me life and that’s why I organized several platforms to ensure that our youths are training to be financially independent towards taking leadership positions which they are destined for.
“Do not be scared, I am here to open all doors for you towards prosperity.” The Ooni said.
Speaking on behalf of the MSME awardees of the Federal Government, Mr. Orioye Benedict, thanked the Ooni for his leadership and mentorship roles which was immensely beneficial to all.
He said, “Kabiyesi, you made our accomplishments possible and we can never forget you for your fatherly roles sir.
“On behalf of my wonderful colleagues, I wish to state unequivocally that we are just evolving and we are going to bring you more laurels as we are ready to redefine the practice of entrepreneur in Nigeria.”
Earlier in her address, a prominent successful Insurance expert who was the guest speaker, Mrs. Felicia Pemi Folarin, lauded the young entrepreneurs for their creativity which she said would take them to places.
“As a small business owner, I understand the importance of building a solid foundation for the future and developing long-lasting customer relationships. I am equally aware of your challenges especially with Nigeria’s economic reality.
“However, I didn’t have a cheerleader like you have in the Arole Oduduwa, our father, the Ooni of Ife when I started. That is a huge step ahead of others and I want you to make the best of this unquantifiable opportunity.” Mrs. Folarin said.
The awardees are Oluwakemi Shobowale (C.E.O. Glam concept), Amb. Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore (C.E.O. First Morey Foods), Abiola Adebajo (C.E.O Easyblurb), Adejoke Lasisi (C.E.O. Planet 3R), Fashola Jephtah Kolawole (C.E.O. Hanbows), Olatunde Oladimeji Babafemi (C.E.O. Tubi International Investment), Joan Adewale (C.E.O. Agbeke AlasoOke Designs), Femi Ilesanmi Eniola (C.E.O. OSKY Integrated ltd) and Ifeoluwa Tryphena Olatayo (C.E.O. Soupah Kitchen).
