The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has inaugurated the Ife Development Board(IDB) and Ife Board of Trustees(IBoT) in an effort at repositioning the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth.
Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Trust Fund (ITF) at an event held on Saturday at the Royal Court of Ife, in Ile-Ife.
The traditional ruler charged the leadership of the Ife development institutions on the need to reposition the community for positive transformation.
According to him, the new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring all stakeholders together to enable them work together in the best interest of the community.
“We strongly believe in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community.
“By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
“It is my fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.
“By working hand in hand, residents, leaders and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity and resilience,” the traditional ruler stated.
Oba Ogunwusi charged the development institutions to work together as a tripod so as to realise the Ile-Ife of their dream.
In his reaction, Chief Alex Duduyemi, the Chairman of the Ife Board of Trustees, appreciated Ooni for chosen them at this time to work for the progress of the city.
Duduyemi promised that members would leave no stone unturned for the growth and development of the people and the town at large.
Also, the Chairman, Ife Trust Fund, Mr Soji Awogbade, acknowledged the efforts of Ooni toward ensuring the restoration of the lost glory of the ancient city.
Awogbade said that members of ITF would work toward establishing an effective Trust Fund and registering it at the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).
The President, Ife Development Board, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, commended Ooni for his fatherly role to ensure that Ile-Ife move forward.
Adefaye, a former president of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard Newspapers, said that IDB was a new vision to regenerate Ife for peace, progress and prosperity.
The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism(NIJ) pledged to take good care of youths and elderly as well as change the narrative of Ile-Ife.
