By Rita Chioma

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has revealed that his daughter who is presently a corps member in Abuja was fathered at the age of 19.

This was made known during his visit to Osun state orientation camp at Ede.

The Ooni mourned with bereaved families of the three corps members who died recently at various camps in three states, including Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo, an indigene of Ila Orangun in Osun State who died in Kano orientation camp late November.

He beckoned on corps members to be their brothers’ keepers by relating well with one another in order to avoid repetition of such circumstances.

He said, “At the age of 19, I fathered a child, which made the matter more complicated. Life was very tough because I had to cater for my child; but that made me to work harder.”

“Today, I am very proud to say that she is one of the present batch of corps members in Abuja now. That experience shaped my life and made me to keep striving.

“I started going to Benue to bring yam tubers, which I turned to yam powder. I want to encourage you today, whatever you are selling or doing, do it with zeal.

“I met Aliko Dangote and Dr. Deji Adeleke and other successful people right inside the market where I was selling foodstuff. I used my background to redefine the way I was selling the stuff.”
He, therefore, advised corps members not to lose hope in Nigeria and the leadership of the country but to join hands to work together for the development of the nation.

Oba Ogunwusi further urged the corps members to put into practice what they have learnt in camp and ask for God’s guidance after their orientation programme.