The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has tasked governors, politicians, and political leaders to encourage local production and patronage of Nigeria-made products with relevant laws and policies capable of encouraging local industries.
He made the call on Thursday at his palace in Ile Ife after receiving two vehicles and two motorcycles from Innoson Motors to support him on his 8th coronation anniversary celebration.
He urged governors and members of the National Assembly to promulgate policies and laws that would galvanise local production and purchase that would, in turn, boost the nation’s economy and also provide job opportunities for youths.
Oba Ogunwusi frowned at the rate of patronising foreign products above local ones urging political leaders to desist from promoting foreign commodities.
He added that Nigerian lawmakers should make it mandatory for anyone having any business with the parliament to wear and make use of indigenous products.
According to the monarch, President Bola Tinubu, governors and federal lawmakers should include locally made and assembled vehicles in their fleet.
He said: “The earlier we know we cannot continue to kill our own, the better for us in this country. I took it upon myself to support and rally support for Innoson Motors and other local products because this is part of the ways to boost our economy. Now that we have a company that produces vehicles, our governors should ensure the establishment of companies that deal with the manufacturing of components of vehicles such as car keys, windscreens, and mirrors among others.
“Why are we always benchmarking our economy on the dollar? I want to appeal to our leaders that enough of promoting foreign commodities. Enough of benchmarking everything with dollar. Let us encourage local production and products. How much of what they (leaders) eat and wear is manufactured in Nigeria? Indigenous products from human, materials, and human capital development should be prioritised.
“I will include Innoson vehicles in my fleet and let our leaders support so that we can address youth unemployment. Our leaders should not sign any contract if they don’t have a local touch.
“The National Assembly should promulgate a law that everybody coming to NASS should have indigenous production. Start grading yourself. If you are wearing ten things, seven must be made in Nigeria. Let it be our policy. If we do that everything will be better. Let our leaders stop deceiving us in this country. The National Assembly should start making impactful laws. We pray we don’t have a backlash of frustrated youths in this country.”
