The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged the Ife Ooye North America (IONA) to channel their resources into agriculture as a sustainable way of boosting the economy of Ile-Ife.
Ooni who offered them prayers gave the charge on Wednesday, at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, while receiving members of IONA.
A release by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare notes that the group had just concluded a three-day annual free healthcare outreach in the ancient city.
The program, which commenced at Iyanfọrógí, moved to the palace with thousands of beneficiaries.
Addressing the delegation, the Ooni expressed joy and appreciation for their commitment to community development.
The highly revered monarch described IONA’s efforts as a great source of encouragement.
“Seeing my children return home to do things like these for Ife is rejuvenating and gives me strength, it reassures me that truly, the Ooni has a strong backbone,” he said.
The monarch reminded IONA of his consistent advocacy for economic diversification through agriculture.
He recalled how, years ago, he led thousands of Ife indigenes into the forest to embrace farming, resulting in impressive returns from cocoa, palm oil, and other cash crops.
“While you are doing well by giving back through healthcare, I also encourage you to invest in agriculture. Let your origin be a place you also profit from economically,” Ooni charged.
Speaking on behalf of IONA, the Secretary and Chairman of the 2025 Medical Mission, Dr. Femi Omidire, revealed that the outreach focused on treating chronic health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and vision problems.
Free eyeglasses were distributed, and patients in need of advanced care were referred to hospitals.
Speaking, Dr. Omidire disclosed that, for the first time in IONA’s history, a successful delivery of twins was recorded at the IONA Baby Delivery Room on Monday, April 14, 2025, the very first day of the mission.
He used the moment to call upon other Ife indigenes in the diaspora to emulate IONA’s initiative.
“IONA cannot do it alone. Let other individuals and organizations, both within and outside Nigeria, consider what they can contribute. The happiest people in the world are givers and giving is not always about money. Volunteerism is powerful,” Dr. Omidire emphasized.
He also expressed profound gratitude to OAUTHC, the doctors, nurses, and all volunteer health workers who contributed their time and expertise during the program.
President of IONA, Rev. Dr. Isiac Egbewole, also reflected on the journey of the medical mission over the past eight years. He admitted there were moments of hardship and near-surrender but maintained that passion for service kept the vision alive.
“There were times when heavy rain and wind dismantled canopies during outreach, yet our volunteers continued working under such tough conditions. That’s true commitment,” he recounted.
Rev. Egbewole stated that he has intentionally stepped back to allow others to take up leadership within IONA, underscoring the importance of legacy and shared responsibility.
“IONA is not about Dr. Egbewole. I don’t have to be the president forever. It’s about the collective passion to give back to our roots, our beloved Ile-Ife,” he concluded.
Ooni led IONA in Ife Dialect songs which brought the memories of history, love and peace of where the IONA members came from and energized their zeal to do more for their beloved community.
