The monarch, who said this while playing host to the former Anambra State Governor at his Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, emphasized that any society seeking progress must prioritize youth development and capacity building. The Ooni said: “Right from my first day as the Ooni, I openly dedicated this revered throne to the youth population and I have been matching the promise up with actions in form of programs and several initiatives geared towards empowering our youths because they are our future. “I am glad that you recognize that fact and I pray that God Almighty grants your heart desires.”

Earlier in his address, Mr. Obi, who thanked the Ooni for the warm reception, encouraged the electorate to see beyond religious and tribal sentiments while choosing the next leaders for the country in 2023. The LP candidate, who lamented the current state of the nation, advised Nigerians to choose a better future for themselves by voting for the right set of leaders. His words: “To the Nigerian youths, it is now your turn to take this country from them, choose the right leader that would take the country to the promised land. Nobody is entitled to take it from you, if they give you money, take it, they are only paying part of their debt.

“Nobody should vote for me because I am an Igbo man, southeasterner, or because of my religion. There is no tribe where people are eating free food, buying bread cheaper, or exempted from the excruciating hardship currently being experienced in the land.”