Ooni unveils foundation for youth empowerment

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife has launched the Royal African Foundation, an organisation designed for youth empowerment and economic emancipation, Top Naija reports.

Oba Ogunwusi, who harped on the need to instill discipline, moral values, the content of character, particularly in the areas of governance and business of the country on the vast youthful populace, expressed belief in the younger generation to excel if given the needed support.

Speaking during the event held at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Olusola Owonikoko, explained that the initiative would be used to transform the lives of the youths in the country.

He said, “The Royal African Foundation is a strategic platform that has been created by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the focus is for us to promote collaborative efforts to empower young people, especially around five youth-centric pillars including leadership and governance, technology and innovation, creative culture, entrepreneurship and empowerment, and academic excellence.”

In her remarks, Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation, said her group would partner Royal African Foundation on a project called, Women-Owned Micro Businesses that would empower 6,000 female entrepreneurs across tertiary institutions in the country annually.

Oba Ogunwusi is an advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of women and young people. He has transformed Ile-Ife into a tourist zone, with changes including the beautification, redesign and re-construction of the ancient city. Oba Ogunwusi is also a renowned philanthropist who is committed to humanity and an advocate for the less privileged. He has granted support over the years through the House of Oduduwa Foundation and, recently, through Hopes Alive Initiative.