The Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀, Oba Adéyẹyè Ẹnitàn Ògúnwùsì – Ọ̀jájá II, emphasized the importance of supporting Nigerian-made goods and services, describing it as a key step toward economic independence.
Speaking at the launch of Ojaja Mini City Park in Akure, he advocated for local products as a source of pride and national development, showcasing the park’s 90% use of Nigerian materials.
“We won’t continue to cry over spilled milk. We know that we have housing deficits in the country but we need to make do with what we have to get results. We need to buy Nigeria, we need to produce in Nigeria, including our housing needs.
“Our project here is a city on its own. It is 100,000 square meters, and we are trying to showcase what is possible in Nigeria. Practically, everything you see here, we know where it came from in Nigeria. So, our own mantra is at least 90% of things that are made in Nigeria will be used, because a lot of people probably think we do things that are of inferior quality. No, it’s not true and today is the official showcasing of Ojaja City to the world.”
“Everything you are seeing here, we know the manufacturer. So, going forward, we will now display it at the mall. We have a mall here that basically let us be very proud of our home. This is the only way we can grow the economy. We don’t need to leave government to do everything and this is the why I invited General Abdusalam Abubakar and Bishop Mathew Kukah to come and bless this place, because they believe in peace, and they believe in youth engagement, because for us here, it’s all about youth engagement and I believe Nigeria will be a better place.”
The project, which includes diverse facilities, provides over 1,000 jobs for youth, aiming to model economic self-sufficiency and create a more equitable society.
“They are in thousands. We can’t even count because it’s a lot. You can see they are all working. It’s over a hundred thousand square meter land that was condemned. It was a condemned land. We had to sand field first. It took us almost two years to even reclaim the land back and we have a lot of youths here that have actually shown their strength, things they can do and how they can make it happen.
“And all the products here, the beauty is they are made here. So this is what can actually engage youth, and that is what I stand for on this throne.”
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