OONI of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has challenged Nigerian youths to rise up and take over governance, as Nigeria needs their tact, skills, resilience and tenacity of purpose to make it a great nation.
Ogunwusi said this at the 16th edition of The Future Awards Africa held recently at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
Themed: Celebrating Challengers and Builders, the awards sought to recognise those who have challenged the norm and made noteworthy contributions in their respective fields.
A Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer and founder of Eponymous women’s wear brand born Andrea Iyamah, won “The Young Person of the Year Award.”
Iyamah emerged winner ahead other contestants like Mohammed Salah from Egypt (29), Angeline Makore (32) from Zimbabwe, Jerry Mallo (27) from Nigeria, and Lelise Neme (29) from Ethiopia.
Other celebrities at the event include activist and co-founder of the #BringBackourGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu; talented Disc Jockey, DJ Nana; entertainer Denrele Edun; actors Toyin Abraham and Ini Edo; comedians and media personalities, Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adedayo, Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Ilori, Josh ‘Josh2Funny’ Alfred, Emmanuel ‘Mr. Funny’ Ejekwu, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Julius Agu; fashion designer, Mai Atafo; CEO, Flying Doctors, Dr. Ola Brown, and others.
According to the Ooni of Ife, “Nigeria needs its finest and ever dedicated young demography that is rich in creative culture, governance and leadership, innovation and technology, entrepreneurship and academic excellence.”
He noted that young people must stop criticising the system but stand up and get involved in politics.
“One thing I will say is to get involved in politics. Politics has great influence. I am appealing to you. You may be successful in your private initiatives but rise up and get up and save this country from its present state and take the bull by the horn. You have the numbers, get the best among you and position them in leadership positions in government”, he said.
Promising his support, the Ooni added, “If you have any issue, feel free to knock on my door and I will be there for you….”
Other awardees at the event include The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting, Bimbo Ademoye (30), The Future Awards Africa Prize for Law, Oyinkansola ‘Foza’ Fawehinmi (29), The Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism, S.I Ohumu (26), The Future Awards Africa Prize for Advocacy & Activism, Wilson Atumeyi (29), among others.