The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has outlined his vision for the ancient Oyo Kingdom, promising to prioritise youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and the promotion of Yoruba culture and language.
Oba Owoade officially ascended the throne in Oyo town on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new era following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
In an interview published by the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, the monarch said his reign would focus on improving the welfare of his people, particularly by addressing youth unemployment and enhancing public amenities.
“Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the street. They are our today and our future. They need skills and jobs,” he said.
He revealed plans to provide vocational training for youths and the less-privileged, with an emphasis on self-employment and digital skills such as cybersecurity.
“These people would be trained well and would not need to travel abroad but would be able to work from the corner of their rooms and make a living,” he added.
The Alaafin also pledged to collaborate with the government to improve infrastructure in Oyo and its environs.
“I will work closely with the government on the need to improve the condition of public facilities, amenities and infrastructure such as roads and schools,” he said.
Oba Owoade, who spent over two decades in the UK and Canada, also plans to promote unity among Yoruba monarchs and preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
“I will be strengthening this aspect of our civilisation… and I hope to be taking our culture and tradition to the next level in terms of maintenance and promotion,” he stated.
On language preservation, the monarch noted that the Yoruba language would be a priority during his reign.
“As the custodian of Yoruba culture, our language would be one of our major priorities and we will work hard to promote it along with other aspects of our culture and tradition,” he said.
He further disclosed that he had shipped in hospital equipment and would be setting up a community health centre to provide free medical services to the less privileged, especially widows and widowers.
Oba Owoade also revealed plans to renovate and modernise the over 200-year-old palace while retaining its cultural essence.
“Some new buildings need to be constructed and some need to be renovated… to make it modern while keeping its essential traditional qualities,” he said.
May God uphold you and bless you with people who will let your visions to be visible.