By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A first class Nigerian traditional ruler, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has embarked on a seven-day working visit to the Republic of Uganda as part of measures to foster bilateral relationships, cultural exchange and promotion of peace and stability among the two countries.
Ooni of Ife is in the East African country on the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Mrs Janet Museveni to celebrate with them on their wedding anniversary at the President’s hometown, Rukungiri, Uganda.
He also held a private meeting with President Museveni at the State House in Entebbe to discuss unity and strengthening bilateral relationships among countries in the African continent.
Ooni woos the Ugandan Leader on the need to foster more trade and business relationship between Nigeria and Uganda, while making a case for more investment, need for economic stability across Africa.
He however noted that traditional rulers and its institutions across Africa should bridge the gap between the populace and the government. He also laid emphasis on traditional rulers acting as catalyst for change influencing sociocultural development and economic emancipation within their domain.
“It is interesting to be here and also to celebrate with his Excellency on the occasion of his wedding anniversary. As a traditional leader and the Progenitor of the Oduduwa race, it is essential to speak on the need for peace and economic liberation among Africans. As leaders, we need to prioritise our people’s welfare and also have it in mind that there can never be a leader without followers.
“I want to thank President Museveni for prioritising his people and speaking in one voice with other African leaders on issues affecting the growth of Africa. Africa must rise to the task ahead and maintain a stable economy. As leaders, we must promote more trade activities among ourselves and also give room for more investment to drive the change so Africa can be self-sufficient in all ways.”
“The borderless African continent is an unexploited asset that is critical to unlocking the economic potential of African countries. The vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagships for the continent’s shared wealth and economic boom. It is a game changer that can provide a tariff-free framework that should have been in existence since 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is time to build the “Africa that We Want,” not as a slogan, but as an epic movement that restores Africa’s honour, pride, and reverence, from aid to trade,” Ooni Adeyeye disclosed.
President Museveni also thanked his Imperial Majesty for honouring his invitation and disclosed his readiness to work with his majesty on the need to drive more trade and investment opportunities to Uganda.
