The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has inaugurated the Ife Development Board and Ife Board of Trustees to reposition the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth.

Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Trust Fund at an event held on Saturday at the Royal Court of Ife, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The traditional ruler charged the leadership of the Ife development institutions on the need to reposition the community for positive transformation.

According to him, the new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring stakeholders together to enable them work together in the best interest of the community.

The monarch said, “We strongly believe in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community. By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

“It is my fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. By working hand in hand, residents, leaders and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity and resilience.’’

Oba Ogunwusi charged the development institutions to work together as a tripod to realise the Ile-Ife of their dream.

In his reaction, Chairman, Ife Board of Trustees, Alex Duduyemi, appreciated Ooni for choosing them at this time to work for the progress of the city.

Mr Duduyemi promised that members would leave no stone unturned for the growth and development of the people and the town at large.

Also, the Chairman, Ife Trust Fund, Soji Awogbade, acknowledged the efforts of the Ooni toward ensuring the restoration of the lost glory of the ancient city.

Mr Awogbade said that members of ITF would work toward establishing an effective Trust Fund and registering it at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Also, President, Ife Development Board, Gbenga Adefaye, commended Ooni for his fatherly role in ensuring that Ile-Ife moves forward.

Mr Adefaye, a former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard newspapers, said that IDB was a new vision to regenerate Ife for peace, progress and prosperity.

The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism pledged to take good care of youths and elderly as well as change the narrative of Ile-Ife.

(NAN)