The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has acquired 30 square miles of land in Ile Ife for cocoa, oil palm and rubber plantation.
The monarch stated that the agricultural investment would create jobs for no fewer than 40,000 youths, adding that this move would further reduce crime rate in Ile Ife and the state.
Ogunwusi, who said this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo by the Director, Media and Public Affairs of Ooni’s Palace, Mr. Moses Olafare, said he would dedicate the year 2016 to youth development.
This project, Olafare explained, was apart from the resort being built by the monarch where about 3,000 youths were currently engaged.
The statement read, “Kabiyesi has dedicated the new year 2016 to turn around the fortunes of the youth by unfolding a new vista of hope in terms of gainful employment. Already, no fewer than 3,000 youths are engaged at ongoing project site of Ife Grand Resort, spanning over 1000 acres of land established by the monarch to provide job opportunities for the people.
“Specifically, the targets of Ooni Ogunwusi are beyond the shores of Ile Ife and critical arrangements have reached the advanced stage to take the unemployed youths off the streets, with a view to checking the growing crime rate in our society.
“To achieve this feat, 30 square miles of land had been acquired at Ife reserve to drive massive agricultural revolution which would pave the way for cocoa, oil palm and rubber plantation. This scheme would create job opportunities for no fewer than 40,000 people.”