2025, June 2
Share this articleSpiritual Leader of the Yoruba People Extends Blessings to Nigerian Newlyweds
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi - one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional leaders and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people - has visited Nazarbayev University as part of his official visit to Kazakhstan and participation in the Astana International Forum.
During the visit, the Ooni extended congratulations to a Nigerian couple who celebrated their wedding on the university campus over the weekend.
The Ooni of Ife has been welcomed at NU by President Waqar Ahmad and Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation Kadisha Dairova. During his visit, he has been introduced to the university’s educational model, its research infrastructure, and its international academic partnerships.
Addressing the audience, the guest thanked the students for representing their country and extended his wishes to the newlyweds:
“Thank you for portraying Nigeria in a good light and for coming all the way here to study. I would also like to bless the young Nigerian couple who got married this weekend. I send them my love and best wishes,” he said.
There are currently around 50 Nigerian students studying at NU, including 16 PhD students, and there are two faculty members. Many of them have attended the meeting with the Ooni, along with members of Kazakhstan’s wider Nigerian community - including English teachers and representatives from the sports sector.
The guest also emphasized the importance of leadership, determination, and strategic thinking for Nigerian youth abroad:
“As a Nigerian, seeing fellow Nigerians making us proud - that’s the kind of example I want you to lead. That’s the kind of honour you want to do to yourself. Wherever you are, remember the sons and daughters of who you are. Be very focused in things you do. Have a clear career path. Have a good strategy for what’s the future,” said the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.
The event has been attended by representatives of the Kazakhstan-Nigeria Business Council, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as H.E. Mr. Anuarbek Akhmetov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Algeria and Nigeria.
The Kingdom of Ife, located in present-day Nigeria, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. As one of Africa’s oldest kingdoms, Ife has long been regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people and a center of African civilization.
