The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogwunwusi II has berated Nigerian youth for their obsession for the BBNaija reality TV show.
His position adds to the mounting condemnation of the show by religious, traditional and even some government leaders.
The Ooni made his views known during the International Youth Day held on Wednesday, 12th August. The respected monarch regretted that Nigeria’s future leaders spend valuable time watching and posting comments about sex scenes rather than topics about nation building.
He said that the young Nigerians expect leaders to do better without taking any action to contribute their own quota.
According to him:
“Nigerian youths are fond of accusing and abusing our leaders. Stop abusing them. Contribute your own quota. Let’s wear our thinking caps and begin to act like real future leaders that we are.
“In the last general election, the total number of votes cast was around 27, million, while over 170 million people voted during the Big Brother Naija reality show.
“This is a practical reality of who Nigerian youths are and where our priorities lie as Nigerians.
Lamenting the aloofness of the youth to issues about nation building the Ooni wondered how those that should be concerned would put up such an attitude.
In his words,
“The funny side in all of this is that we still go to bed, have a good sleep and wake up with the hope to meet a Nigerian we didn’t create. Nigerian Youths ! Nigerian Youths !! Nigerian Youths !!!
“Unfortunately, every time I talk about this kid of attitude, everyone just laughs and moves on. What kind of nation are we building ?
“When people say this country or what kind of country is this, they are indirectly saying these people – it is the people that make a county, so what kind of youth are we ?
He however, reassured them about his support in all their endeavours. In his words:
“As I have pronounced since the ascension on the throne of my forebearers, I will always be aiding the values of excellence and greatness that are embedded in our youths. Be rest assured that I will always be supporting you with all my energy to secure a better future for our nation, Africa and the world.
Happy International youth day.”