On Saturday 23rd October 1993 His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye Sateru II ascended the throne as the 14th Ojomu of Ajiran-Land. The occasion of his 25th coronation anniversary, was an opportunity to give back to the community for being his backbone these long years.
In a media chat with Lagos Panorama on Tuesday during a press conference in his palace to commence the week-long silver jubilee celebration. The royal father noted that he has devoted the last 25 years for the service of his community. He stated that “I want to state that for the past 300 months, which is 25 years, I have devoted every day of my life to the service of my people, my community and humanity”.
The former teacher noted that his achievements was based on his 3 main objectives “I considered 3 major sectors as my objectives these are education, healthcare and infrastructural development. We have pursued these 3 goals with utmost vigor. Close to 3 decades ago Ajiran-Land comprising Ikota, Lafiaji, Iberekodo, Idado and Baruwa, others include Okun-Afa, Igbo-Efon, Araromi, Agungi Olugborogan, Osapa and indeed the entire Eti-Osa axis were noted as remote and distant outskirts of the city of Lagos but potentially endowed with lagoon and sea side regions” the Oba alluded.
The Ojomu of Ajiran-Land also expressed his gratitude to “the Oba Ojomu in council, highly progressive indigenes, residents and corporate bodies and especially Lagos State Government for their support and cooperation. Ajiran-Land has been transformed into a bustling and thriving commercial and residential area blessed with serene aquatic splendor. The Alpha beach has become one of the most visited beaches in the Lekki axis”.
Oba Tijani Akinloye, says the high rate of youth unemployment is due to lack of employable skills. He said a survey he initiated to seek solution to unemployment among youths revealed that many youths lack employable skills.
He said, “The studies indicated that one of the reasons for youths’ unemployment was lack of employable skills, even for those who attended higher institutions.
“In view of the fact that I was appointed as the vice President for Africa of the Organization for Research of World Peace (ORWP), an international nongovernmental Organization geared towards peaceful resolution where there is conflict. The organization was inaugurated in Nigeria in October 2001 and my credentials presented to then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo”.
“In order accord the NGO a respectable status we developed a befitting skill acquisition center on a 5 acre of land called the ORWP Millennium Village along the Lekki-Epe expressway”.
“In the quest to finding solution to youth unemployment the ORWP was directed to start the training of youths in textile, paint manufacturing, communication and Information Technology, general agriculture and carpentry among others. The first set of training started in October 2003 by 2018 the center had trained over 3000 students. Most of the graduands are now gainfully employed by corporate organizations doting the Lekki Peninsula axis and beyond. Some have become employers of labour themselves”.
The traditional ruler also decried the rate at which youths were being used by politicians to foment trouble, saying it was because such youths were idle.
“If the youth have something to do and are employed, they will not foment trouble. We must take them out of the streets,” he said.
The monarch also called for more active roles for traditional rulers to improve their communities.
He added that the coronation anniversary was to appreciate the residents and reward excellence.
He said there would be awards for best students from SS2 to SS3 in selected public and private schools in Eti-Osa.
Other events lined up are Iwuye ceremony, traditional prayers, Jumat service, visit to motherless and old people’s home and the Oba’s Cup; a football tournament which draws players from the different villages in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and its environs to come together to compete in a friendly manner to celebrate the Oba’s 25th anniversary.
