Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has charged youths in the state to seize opportunities that will better their lives instead of waiting for what government will offer them.
The governor spoke at the opening of Ace Mall, in Oluyole area of Ibadan, describing the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Prince Adeyinka Afonja, as a worthy example for youths to emulate.
The event had in attendance traditional leaders from Oyo town and Ibadan, religious leaders, government functionaries, business associates, friends and family members of the owner. A former Prelate of the Methodist Church, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, was the chairman of the day.
The governor said, “Youths must learn from Afonja, the CEO of ACE mall. Can you imagine how old he was 10 years ago when he started this business and what he has grown it into in the last 10 years?
“Ten years ago, he didn’t wait for anything from the government. He didn’t wait for anyone with his dreams and visions. But, he prepared himself for his vision and pursued it.
“I founded a company at the age of 29 years and I know many people won’t understand how it felt like.
“You have created a unique brand and I know this brand will go global. You have the opportunity to go global and we will support you. There will be turbulence up and down but you must remain undeterred because God already promised us a safe arrival.”
Reacting to insinuations of court case seeking to stall the opening of the facility, Makinde said he agreed to be at the occasion after he was satisfied that there was no order or directive from a court stopping either the opening or operations of the centre.
He said his government will always respect decision of the judiciary in the state. The governor also called on those who might have any grievance against either the facility or its owners to pursue peaceful resolution.
He added that his government will ever be ready and willing to support entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate organisations among others in the state to survive saying boosting trade and commerce is a cardinal goal of his administration.
“Shortly before we got here, I got a call from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice who told me that there is a court case on this project.
“I put calls through to those involved and I gathered that some people wanted to get a court injunction to stop the opening and operations of this place but it was not granted.
“We will not have come if there is any court order on this place. If there was any court judgment that says we shouldn’t open this place, we will obey it and since there was none, nothing should stop such a novel idea that will create employment opportunities for our people while also boosting trade and business.
“We will support ideas and initiatives that helps promote our plan and agenda at promoting the wellness and prosperity of our people in every area of their lives.”
In his remarks, owner of the facility, Afonja, said the motivation behind the project is to support government in employment generation, contribute to urban renewal and add value to the society.
He said, “It is also testament to the Nigerian project in the midst of capital flight. Some of us are ardent believers that things can work in Nigeria, and we have walked the talk.”
