Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
As the race for the prestigious stool of Owa-Obokun gradually gains momentum, Prince Kayode Michael Adewale Arimoro yesterday declared that the stool of Owa- Obokun should not be allowed for sale, urging kingmakers to follow due process for selection.
Speaking yesterday when he declared his formal intention to contest for the esteemed throne of the Owa-Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, Arimoro also warned against imposition of Owa-Obokun for Ijesha land because it would not be in the interest of the Ijesha tradition.
He said as a warrior with a vision rooted in tradition, driven by progress, and committed to the sustainable growth and prosperity of all Ijesha people, he said his coming on board is to fight for the vulnerable and maximise the God-given potential of Ijeshaland and its people.
According to him, “For many years, I have observed with great concern the challenges that our beloved land faces and the untapped opportunities. We are rich in culture, history, and resources, but it is time to channel this abundant potential towards building a brighter future. This is my solemn promise to you today; under my leadership, we will transform Ijeshaland into a beacon of progress, innovation, and unity.”
While speaking on the key pillars of his vision, he noted that technological advancement for sustainable growth would be greatly pursued.
Prince Arimoro stressed further that “in this the age of rapid technological transformation, Ijeshaland cannot afford to be left behind. As your Owa Obokun, I will champion the development of a robust tech ecosystem that empowers our youths and promotes entrepreneurship.
“By leveraging my expertise in information technology and the global network of like minds I interact with, I will work to ensure that Ijeshaland becomes a hub for technology, innovation, and digital empowerment, creating pathways for our children to thrive in a globalized world. This means establishing state-of-the-art training centres, encouraging tech startups, and promoting digital literacy across all sectors of our economy.”
On youth sports development as a cornerstone of empowerment, he remarked that: “Our youths are our future, and we must invest in them. As an experienced youth sports volunteer who currently serves as Director of Referee in Chelmsford, Massachusetts in the United States and FIFA grassroots certified referee, I am committed to the development of youth sports as a vehicle for building leadership, discipline, and health among our young people. Ijeshaland has always been a land of great athletes and talents, and under my leadership, we will invest in sports infrastructure, talent scouting, and youth empowerment programmes that will see our youths excel locally and globally.”
He pointed out that: “I am running because I believe in the greatness of Ijeshaland. I know that our people are hardworking, innovative, and resilient. We have the potential to become a model of progress in Nigeria and beyond. But to unlock this potential, we need a leader who understands our challenges and the vision to create lasting solutions.”
Last modified: December 20, 2024
