The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has extended heartfelt prayers to members of Ife Ooye North America (IONA) and encouraged them to channel their efforts and resources toward agricultural development as a sustainable means of strengthening Ile-Ife’s economy.
The royal charge came during a warm reception held at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, where the monarch hosted the IONA delegation after their successful three-day annual medical outreach in the ancient city.
The program, which began at Iyanfọrógí, culminated at the palace, positively impacting thousands of residents.
Expressing deep appreciation, the Ooni lauded IONA’s enduring commitment to community development and described their contributions as both inspiring and revitalizing.
“Seeing my children return home to do things like these for Ife is rejuvenating and gives me strength. It reassures me that truly, the Ooni has a strong backbone,” he said.
The monarch further emphasized his long-standing call for economic diversification through agriculture.
Recalling a past initiative where he led thousands of indigenes into the forest to embrace farming, he noted the impressive outcomes from crops like cocoa and palm oil. He urged IONA to replicate such efforts.
“While you are doing well by giving back through healthcare, I encourage you to invest in agriculture. Let your origin be a place you can also profit from economically,” Ooni charged.
Speaking on behalf of the group, IONA Secretary and Chairman of the 2025 Medical Mission, Dr. Femi Omidire, disclosed that the outreach focused on managing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and vision impairments.
He added that free eyeglasses were distributed and that patients requiring advanced care were referred to hospitals.
A major highlight of the mission, Dr. Omidire revealed, was the successful delivery of twins at the IONA Baby Delivery Room on April 14, the very first day of the outreach. It marked the first recorded childbirth in IONA’s mission history.
“IONA cannot do it alone. Let others in the diaspora and within Nigeria also rise to contribute. Giving is not always about money; volunteerism is a powerful tool for transformation,” Dr. Omidire emphasized.
He also extended gratitude to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), alongside the dedicated doctors, nurses, and volunteer health workers who made the mission a success.
Reflecting on the eight-year journey of the medical outreach, IONA President, Rev. Dr. Isiac Egbewole, spoke candidly about the challenges the group had faced.
“There were moments when heavy rain and strong winds dismantled our canopies, yet our volunteers pressed on, treating patients under difficult conditions. That’s true commitment,” he recounted.
He also shared his decision to step aside from leadership to allow others to serve, stressing the value of legacy and collective ownership.
“IONA is not about Dr. Egbewole. I don’t have to be president forever. It’s about our shared passion for giving back to our roots, our beloved Ile-Ife,” he affirmed.
The event ended on a heartfelt note as the Ooni led the IONA team in nostalgic Ife dialect songs, rekindling memories of love, unity, and cultural pride, and inspiring the delegation to deepen their contributions to the community.
إرسال تعليق