"They Are Our Trail Blazers": Ooni Salutes Women, Youth Entrepreneurs As He Played Host To The US Mission In Nigeria

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Friday hosted the United States mission In Nigeria led by the country's ambassador Ms. Bart Beth Leonard at his Ile Oodua, the palace.

Ooni in a post via his verified Facebook handle @ooniadimulaife on Saturday shared moments with the mission's officials.

According Ooni, the meeting focussed extensively on acknowledging the invaluable contributions of women and youth entrepreneurs to national development.

"Yesterday, I played host to the United States (US) mission in Nigeria which was ably led by its Ambassador, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard. 

"We touched on strategic, heroic and watershed national contributions of women and youth entrepreneurs into various fabrics of our nation. They are our trail blazers, lights of our nation, drivers of our national prosperity and embodiment of our precious assets that abounds in our various communities" Ooni said

The foremost traditional ruler who doubles as the Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) commended the mission for their commitment and dedication making positive impacts in the society especially as reflected in the leadership of Ms Beth, noting that the assignment is better handled by a woman.

"I truly must say a woman is the best man for the job. I, Ooni Adeyeye, I’m a true living witness to this reality. I celebrate your doggedness, fearless spirit, uncompromised bold mission to building socioeconomic spaces and the depth of your commitment to family dignity amongst all", Ooni added.

Ooni in the statement expressed his plan towards building groundbreaking 100 female entrepreneurs over the next five years, a project which he said is being pursued through various initiatives in his name.

The monarch further maintained that the nation and by extension the continent of Africa can be greater if women are given more opportunities to occupy leadership positions in our system.

"My strategic goals in the next 5 years through my various initiatives is to break new economic grounds with 100 female entrepreneurs. I must commend the US Ambassador for believing in this project and most especially applauds the mission's continued stride through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) project. This journey is a sacred and epic mission and it has started already and I’m getting closer to this goal by the day. 

"It is indeed my joy and pride to see our women taking up boardrooms, leadership and governance positions thought only meant for men and upholding the values of those offices thus leading to new frontiers and greater glory for our nation and the continent of Africa.", Ooni concluded.