In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and create job opportunities for the youth, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye, has called upon Nigerian leaders to champion the cause of local product patronage through the implementation of relevant laws and policies.
This plea came following the monarch’s reception of two vehicles and two motorcycles from Innoson Motors, a gesture aimed at supporting the monarch on his 8th coronation anniversary at the palace in Ile-Ife.
Emphasizing the need for political leaders to spearhead initiatives that would promote indigenous production and consumption, Oba Adeyeye urged governors and members of the National Assembly to enact policies fostering local industries, thereby contributing to the growth of the nation’s economy.
The monarch challenged leaders to lead by example, advocating for the inclusion of locally made and assembled vehicles in their official fleets.
He specifically singled out President Bola Tinubu, governors, and federal lawmakers, urging them to prioritize vehicles manufactured within the country.
Expressing concern over the excessive reliance on foreign commodities, Oba Adeyeye stressed the importance of shifting away from benchmarking the economy with the Dollar.
He called for a paradigm shift towards supporting locally produced goods, not only to boost the economy but also to address the issue of youth unemployment.
In his address, the monarch advocated for a comprehensive approach, suggesting that the establishment of companies producing vehicle components, such as car keys, windscreen, and mirrors, should be prioritized.
He urged leaders to reconsider their contracting decisions, suggesting that signing contracts should be contingent on having a local touch.
Furthermore, Oba Adeyeye implored the National Assembly to play a pivotal role in this endeavor by enacting laws that mandate everyone entering the National Assembly to have a significant portion of their attire and belongings made in Nigeria.
This, he believes, will set the stage for a broader cultural shift toward prioritizing indigenous products.
The monarch concluded with a cautionary note, expressing hope that the country would not experience a backlash from frustrated youths and reiterated the importance of impactful legislative actions to foster the desired change.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the Ooni of Ile-Ife’s call for a focus on local products stands as a crucial step towards sustainable economic development.
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