By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has unveiled the Ojaja Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at Ogombo, Ajah, Lagos State — a landmark initiative aimed at promoting technology, creativity, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Located within the Ojaja Mall complex, the new hub combines technology-driven retail, cinema, and innovation spaces designed to foster collaboration among young Nigerians and support indigenous enterprise.
Speaking on Tuesday during a visit by members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), following their two-day national committee meeting in Lagos, the Ooni said the centre would serve as a convergence point for Nigerian youths to showcase innovations, develop tech-driven ideas, and engage productively.
“This is another project that showcases the strength and creativity of Nigerians. Everything used in constructing and equipping this centre — from materials to technology — is made in Nigeria. We are demonstrating that traditional rulers can drive youth engagement and contribute to national development beyond the palace,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
The Ojaja AI Centre features one of the largest cinemas in the area, a modern shopping mall displaying more than 75,000 made-in-Nigeria products, and co-working innovation spaces for young entrepreneurs.
The monarch revealed that Lagos is the seventh state to host an Ojaja Innovation Hub, with plans to replicate the project across all 36 states within the next five years.
“This area has one of the highest concentrations of middle-class Nigerians between 25 and 40 years old. We are creating a space that not only drives commerce but also connects them through technology,” he said.
“If government at all levels insists on using 100% made-in-Nigeria materials for public projects, it will transform our economy.”
Oba Ogunwusi urged Nigerian youths to remain self-driven and innovative rather than depend solely on government intervention, while encouraging traditional rulers to invest in capacity-building initiatives within their communities.
“We can’t continue to blame the government. Projects like this show that we can take the initiative. Our AI Centre brings together some of the best brains among Nigerian youths,” he noted.
“Traditional rulers should live by example and contribute to youth development in their domains.”
The Ooni, who said he commands a following of over 30 million young Nigerians on social media, described the Ojaja AI Centre as a symbol of his commitment to empowering the nation’s youth through innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
