By Sewe Ishola

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, unveiled the tallest statue in Nigeria as of today and the 3rd tallest in Africa. It is the statue of Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary female figure in Yoruba history.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs in the palace in Ile-Ife, Osun, Moses Olafare,the Ooni dedicated the statue to the economic liberation of the African youth.

According to him, the monarch decried the redundancy of youths, blaming it on patronage of foreign goods and services.

“These Nigerian and African youths are naturally endowed, and with the level of their education or training,  they are the materials needed to develop this country and the continent of Africa.

It surprises me that our governments across Africa still encourage capital flight by always giving the jobs to foreigners at the expense of our youths, several of whom are more qualified and competent to do the jobs.

I am proud to say that this project is the first of its kind; 100 per cent indigenous; involving about 200 youths and all the materials used were sourced locally  from the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

I want to stress that Nigeria has manpower that can create, construct, and build standard and original goods.

I, therefore, appeal to African governments to empower youths and give them the chance to display their capacities,” Ooni Ogunwusi was quoted as saying.

Meanwile, Instagram user, Temilola Sobola had shared photos of the unveiling earlier on her instagram handle, including one of the statue at night.

Photo credits: Instagram @temilolasobola