President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the peace initiative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
He described Ooni as a major stakeholder responsible for the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in Nigeria.
The president who was represented by the minister of interior, Rauf Aregbeaola spoke on Saturday at the ground finale of this year’s Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He urged Nigerians to be sensitive of their security and not leave everything for security agents, saying they must cooperate and collaborate with security agents in the fight against insecurity.
He said “we are collectively responsible for provision of security. The government will do its own while the people should also support the security agencies. We should report any suspicious move or person in our environment to the security agents.
“I appreciate Ooni’s effort in ending insecurity in Nigeria. Collectively, we will end insecurity in Nigeria.”
On the annual festival, the President recalled that Olojo and other festivals in Yoruba land in the olden days are used to showcase harvest and productivity in the agricultural sector and not just for fun or merriment.
“Olojo festival was an event in the olden days to showcase farm produce, profits made in farming and agriculture at large.
“It will gladen my heart if Nigerians could restore the old glory of farming; this Olojo festival too should also bring back the old days of showcasing farm produce, hardwork and good character.
“The festival should not be for merriment alone. Merriment should come after work. There should not be merriment without work. Working is the antidote to poverty.” Aregbesola said.
Represented by his Deputy, Benedict Alabi, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, congratulated descendants of Oduduwa for witnessing the festival, commending the Ooni for preserving the prestigious Yoruba culture.
He said, “As a government, we remain committed to our electioneering promises and we won’t renege on our pledge to make life better for all.”
Also, the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jamaica and the Caribbean, Ambassador (Mrs.) Maureen Tamuno, stated that a lot of people in the diaspora particularly in the Caribbean have traced their roots back to Nigeria and festivals like Olojo will be instrumental to reuniting them with their kinsmen.
