To foster bilateral relationships, cultural exchange and promotion of peace and stability, the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II in continuation of his parley with world leaders across the continent has visited the Republic of Uganda on the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet Museveni.
Aside from strengthening bilateral relationships among African countries, the visit was also in commemoration of President Museveni’s wedding anniversary and vow renewal in his hometown; Rukungiri, Uganda.
The monarch who congratulated the President and his wife, spoke with the Ugandan Leader on the need to foster more trade and business relationship between Nigeria and Uganda, while making a case for more investment, need for economic stability across Africa.
He however underscored the need for royal institutions across Africa to bridge the gap between the populace and the government. He also laid emphasis on traditional rulers acting as catalysts for change enhancing sociocultural development and economic emancipation within their domain.
He said: “As a traditional leader and the progenitor of the Oduduwa race, it is essential to speak on the need for peace and economic liberation among Africans. As leaders, we need to prioritise our people’s welfare and also have it in mind that there can never be a leader without followers. This is why I want to thank President Museveni for prioritising his people and speaking in one voice with other African leaders on issues affecting the growth of Africa. Africa must rise to the task ahead and maintain a stable economy. As leaders, we must promote more trade activities among ourselves and also give room for more investment to drive the change so Africa can be self-sufficient in all ways.”
He also noted that the borderless African continent is an unexploited asset that is critical to unlocking the economic potential of African countries. “The vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagships for the continent’s shared wealth and economic boom. It is a game changer that can provide a tariff-free framework that should have been in existence since 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is time to build the Africa that We Want, not as a slogan, but as an epic movement that restores Africa’s honour, pride, and reverence, from aid to trade.”
Ooni further harped on Global Peace Agenda and his Ojaja Pan-African Business Initiatives currently extending its tentacles outside the shores of Nigeria and his pursuit of welfare for people of African descent, unification of African people globally for peace and economic stability. He is also ready to partner with the Ugandan government to invest more in sectors that need to be revitalised. “I am here to let you know that the Ojaja Pan African initiative is ready to invest in Uganda to further enhance social, cultural and economic ties amongst Africans. We Africans are so close to one another but very far in our dealings and relationships. Nobody will help us bond and bind together but we Africans. Hence the need for us to keep using what connects us much more than what divides us to foster peace and continental economic enhancement.”
On his part, President Museveni who appreciated his Imperial Majesty for honouring his invitation and disclosed his readiness to work with him on the need to drive more trade and investment opportunities to Uganda said, “I am pleased to have you here your majesty. I am a great admirer of what you have been doing, especially women and youth empowerment and your promotion of culture and trade across Africa and outside the continent. We Ugandans are open to more partnerships. We are open to synergising with you and the Nigerian people. We are brothers and we are bound by one ideology as Africans, so we must always remain one regardless of anything that happens. My door is always open for you and your team. We will work with you and ensure a robust bilateral relationship between Uganda and Nigeria.”