The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has acquired agricultural investment with the capacity to create jobs for no fewer than 40,000 youth.


The revered monarch acquired 30 square miles of land in Ile-Ife for cocoa, oil palm and rubber plantation. He said the plantation would create jobs for no fewer than 40,000 youth, adding that this move would further reduce crime rate in the state, particularly in Ile-Ife where the plantation is situated.

Oba Ogunwusi, who said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Director, Media and Public Affairs of Ooni’s Palace, Mr. Moses Olafare, said he has pledged to make the year 2016 one laden with myriads of opportunities to enhance the development of the youth in the state.

This project to engage 40, 000 youth in gainful employment is to run concomitantly with the resort being built by the monarch in Ife, where about 3,000 youth are currently engaged.

The statement read, “Kabiyesi has dedicated the new year 2016 to turn around the fortunes of the youth by unfolding a new vista of hope in terms of gainful employment. Already, no fewer than 3,000 youths are engaged at ongoing project site of Ife Grand Resort, spanning over 1000 acres of land established by the monarch to provide job opportunities for the people.

“Specifically, the targets of Ooni Ogunwusi are beyond the shores of Ile- Ife and critical arrangements have reached the advanced stage to take the unemployed youth off the streets, with a view to checking the growing crime rate in our society.

“To achieve this feat, 30 square miles of land had been acquired at Ife reserve to drive massive agricultural revolution which would pave the way for cocoa, oil palm and rubber plantation. This scheme would create job opportunities for no fewer than 40,000 people.”