The Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi has charged Nigerians residing in Canada through the director on media and public affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare that in the spirit of patriotism, come together to join the government and the people of Nigeria in proffering solutions to the economic challenges facing the country.
The foremost African monarch gave the admonition on Monday during a ceremony of Proclamation Day, Flag Exchange presentation of city key done in his honour by the government of the City of Brampton in Toronto by the Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown, his wife Genevieve, cabinet members and members of Nigeria community led by His Excellency, Ambassador Adeyinka Asekun alongside senior officials of the embassy of Nigeria in Canada.
Welcoming the visiting Ooni and his entourage in his speech, the 41-year-old Mayor expressed delights at hosting the epoch event describing himself as being lucky receiving such a revered African king.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I feel so delighted to be your host today. The city of Brampton is humbled to be your host for this great event because you are one of the greatest kings in the world.
I visited Nigeria in 2006 and I was in love with the country. It is a great country of great people and great cultures.
We know you, you have been preaching peace and harmony all over the world and that is why we have decided to honour you today". Mayor Brown said
According to the Mayor, the city of Brampton hosts over 60, 000 Africans and Caribbeans with Nigerians standing out contributing immensely to the socio-economic development of the city and Canada in general.
"This city has over 60, 000 Africans including Caribbeans residing here. This population has more Nigerians doing very great."
"Your majesty, I feel great every day to see these great Nigerians contributing to the development of Brampton and Canada socially and economically."
"I look forward to visiting Nigeria soon for productive collaboration and my first point of call will be Ile-Ife because I have read and heard about the cultural richness of Yoruba people who have you as the overall head". He added
Ooni Ogunwusi in speech proclaimed Brampton as the city of love, appreciating the warm reception and honour given him.
I proclaim this city as 'city of love' cos you have so welcoming and receptive. I could feel in your spirit what is called love through this warm reception".
You have been good to Nigerians and I feel so proud of the positive roles Nigerians are also playing in the economic life of this city which is the fastest growing city in Canada. I confirmed this during my meeting with the cabinet members of this government who told me how Nigerians have impacted positively. It is now evident that good things can actually come out of Africa".
Admonishing Nigerians in Canada to be patriotic ambassadors in the country, the Spiritual father of Yoruba race worldwide said
"If everyone can be like Canada. We know what country of Canada "man must be kind to one another" Canada is doing this.
"We as Nigerians should always think of how to benefit our country for the good of our unborn generations. I appeal to you Nigerians living here never to write off your country."
"This proclamation doesn't go to me alone, it goes to all of you from Nigeria. These are the ways we should be portraying Nigeria to the world"
"I hold this honour of proclamation flag exchange dear to my heart and I will carry it with pride"
"In appreciation of this honour, I also bring u a gift of a bronze cast which emanated from our land in Africa".
The Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) accompanied to the event by his beautiful queen, Olori Silekunola Ogunwusi(Yeyeluwa), the Nigerian ambassador to Canada, H.E, Adeyinka Asekun, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, HRM Oba Adekunle Oyeyemi, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi(Iya Adura), Coordinator of Imperial Awards & CEO of Hope4Sure Initiatives miss Peju Oke, Toronto based Pharmaceutical business giant, Prof Isa Odidi, Chairman of Okey Equipments, Mr. Okey Eze, members and leaders of the Nigerian community in Canada.
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