Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has agreed to lead other Nigerian traditional rulers to the 2nd UYOTA Royal Agric Investment and Youth Empowerment Tour, coming up in Thailand between November 4 to 14, 2023.

 The decision is in consonance with consultation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partners both at home and in the Diaspora.

Organiser of the tour, Princess Amb. Mrs.Afoma Adigwe founder,  Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture (UYOTA) explained that the essence of the programme is for the organisation, which is an affiliate of Uplifting Women Through Farming (UWTF) to unveil their  royal agriculture  Investment tour to Thailand.

Addressing UYOTA delegation who paid a courtesy visit to his Palace, the Ooni commended  the leader, Princess Adigwe, and the  members of her team for their efforts to uplifting Nigerian youths through agriculture.

He stated that the project aligns with his  involvement, contribution, and investment in the agricultural sector, particularly as it remains the most viable tool for long-lasting economic prosperity.

“Among others, the fastest growing Ojaja Pan African Fams Limited is one of my initiatives with where women and youths are wooed into participate in agriculture, and I am proud to say that we have achieved a lot of success in this regard,” he said.

The royal father noted that he is  aware of Thailand’s prowess in agriculture, and a trip like this will go a long way in advancing Nigeria.

Earlier Princess Afoma narrated  how she was taken on a tour of the Late  Monarch’s Royal Chitralada Agricutural projects, tailored towards rendering skill acquisition programmes for members of his royal communities, during her visit to Kingdom of Thailand in 2008.

According to Afoma, the trip availed her the opportunity of seeing new agricultural techniques that could help in educating women and youths in Nigeria, adding that she was also moved by the involvement of the late Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej in supporting the government of Thailand through agriculture.

“That experience heightened my commitment to share the idea with selected royal fathers in Nigeria in order to emulate and replicate the Thai Royal projects. 
“I believe this would not only improve the lives of their subjects but also give a practical approach towards eradicating poverty in society.”

She added in view of the fact that the royal fathers are the custodians of landed property in their various communities, they could organise skills acquisition programmes, especially in agriculture, to utilie the control they have over the lands in their communities and  thereby creating employment and self-reliance for the youths.

Mrs Adigwe also said that the idea is centred on how Nigeria can improve on local production while concentrating on food security as well as promoting royal ties between the two countries.