Foundation Boosts Ooni Of Ife’s Youth Capacity Building Scheme

As part of the celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary in December, a non-governmental organisation, the ‘Victor Badejo Foundation’, has announced scholarship rewards for students up to tertiary level, cash gifts, and other prizes to be won by youths in various competitions.

Speaking at a press conference held in Ile-Ife Ooni on Thursday, the private secretary to the Ooni, Mr Adewale Adetoyese, who doubles as coordinator of the competition, which includes quiz, debate and football competitions, explained that the initiative is designed to appreciate the Ooni for his impact in youth development, capacity building and community development over the past decade.

According to him, the Victor Badejo Foundation is the brainchild of one of the Ooni’s children, who is a product of the frontline traditional ruler’s magnanimity. He added that the competitions are designed to give back to society and discover talents by providing participants from different schools across the land with equal opportunities to contest.

“The Quiz and Debate Competitions will feature students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Ife land. Participants will engage in intellectually stimulating contests covering topics such as history, governance, culture, innovation, and sustainable development.’’

Harping on the events, he revealed that the contest will span several days, featuring multiple stages of competitions, including preliminaries and cultural exhibitions, before the grand finale at the Oodua Heritage House, Ile Oodua Palace, Enuwa Ile-Ife on Wednesday,

Beyond the contests, Adetoyese said that substantial food items, including rice, beans, vegetable oil, and others, will be given freely to elderly members of society, such as widows and other vulnerable individuals.

The project is being executed in partnership with the Osun State government through the Ministry of Education, proprietors of private schools across Ife land and other stakeholders.

The Foundation called on individuals and corporate entities to join in sponsoring and supporting the lofty idea.