The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II on Thursday hosted the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The visit came shortly after Dr. Tijani delivered a lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he spoke on the role of academic institutions, particularly in advancing technology and innovation for national development.
Speaking at the palace, the Minister described Obafemi Awolowo University as a unique institution endowed with intellectual capacity and resources capable of driving prosperity for Ile-Ife and beyond.
He noted that it was not by coincidence that the university is located in Ile-Ife, which he described as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
Dr. Tijani said the lecture and his visit to the ancient city further strengthened his resolve to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that his visit to the Ooni’s palace was his first and that he regarded it as a rare opportunity to receive royal blessings for himself and for the country.
“I did not take this visit lightly. It is an opportunity to receive blessings, not just for myself, but for the success and progress of our nation,” the Minister said.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) warmly received the Minister and commended him for exhibiting what he described as true Omoluabi virtues.
The Ooni Ogunwusi prayed for Dr. Tijani’s continued success in office and expressed confidence in his performance as a member of the Federal Executive Council.
The Ooni also offered prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength and success in leading the country.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a sacred Ife artefact to the Minister by the Ooni, symbolising royal blessings and support for his service to Nigeria.