The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called on Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity and harness its human capital for national development as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a social media post marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the Ooni paid tribute to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and honoured the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes past, whose courage and vision, he said, laid the foundation for Nigeria’s nationhood.
He described Nigeria’s diversity of peoples, cultures, languages and traditions as one of the country’s greatest strengths, noting that it becomes a powerful asset for national progress and shared prosperity when united by a common purpose.
“Our greatest strength lies in the rich diversity of our peoples, cultures, languages and traditions; when united by a common purpose, this diversity becomes a powerful asset for national progress and shared prosperity,” the Ooni said.
The monarch also placed particular emphasis on the contribution and potential of young Nigerians, describing them as the country’s greatest resource and highlighting their growing impact across various sectors locally and internationally.
According to him, Nigerian youths are demonstrating the country’s potential through their contributions to technology, the creative industries, fashion, agriculture, science and enterprise.
“Our greatest resource is our people, especially our young Nigerians whose creativity, ingenuity and excellence continue to make an impact across the world,” he said.
The Ooni further linked the achievements of Nigerians across different sectors to the country’s longstanding entrepreneurial spirit, describing it as a reflection of the resilience, courage and determination of the Nigerian people.
As the nation commemorates 66 years of independence, the Ooni urged Nigerians to view the country’s large and diverse population as an opportunity for transformation rather than merely a demographic figure.
He described Nigeria’s population as “a gift from Olodumare” and a tremendous human resource capable of contributing significantly to the development of the country, Africa and the wider world.
“Our population, a gift from Olodumare, is not merely a number but a tremendous human resource capable of transforming Nigeria and contributing meaningfully to Africa and the world,” the monarch said.
The Ooni’s message comes as Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora mark the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence, with the occasion providing an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence and the responsibilities required to build its future.
He called for renewed unity and hope, urging Nigerians to channel the anniversary into a collective commitment to articulating and building the Nigeria they believe is possible.
“May this anniversary renew our unity, strengthen our hope, and inspire us to articulate and build the Nigeria we know is possible,” the Ooni said.
He concluded his message by extending Independence Day greetings to Nigerians, saying: “Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.”