TheCable

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has met with Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, to discuss socio-economic relations among African countries. 

The monarch, on a seven-day working visit to Uganda, was hosted by Museveni at the State House in Entebbe. 

During the private meeting, Ooni sought Museveni’s collaboration to foster a “robust trade and business relationship between Nigeria and Uganda”. 

He said traditional rulers and institutions across Africa should bridge the gap between the populace and the government. 

“It is interesting to be here and also to celebrate with his Excellency on the occasion of his wedding anniversary. As a traditional leader and the Progenitor of the Oduduwa race, it is essential to speak on the need for peace and economic liberation among Africans. As leaders, we need to prioritise our people’s welfare and also have it in mind that there can never be a leader without followers,” Ooni said. 

“I want to thank President Museveni for prioritising his people and speaking in one voice with other African leaders on issues affecting the growth of Africa. Africa must rise to the task ahead and maintain a stable economy. 

“As leaders, we must promote more trade activities among ourselves and also give room for more investment to drive the change so Africa can be self-sufficient in all ways.

“It is a game changer that can provide a tariff-free framework that should have been in existence since 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule.”

Ogunwusi said his “Global Peace Agenda and Ojaja Pan-African Business Initiatives are currently expanding outside Nigeria to improve the welfare and unification of African descent”. 

He added that the initiative is also “ready to invest in Uganda further to enhance social, cultural, and economic development”. 

On his part, Museveni said Uganda is open to partnerships promoting culture and trade in Africa. 

“I am pleased to have you here, your majesty, and I am a great admirer of you and what you have been doing, most especially women and youth empowerment and your promotion of culture and trade across Africa and outside the continent. We Ugandans are open to more partnerships,” he added.