'Cities rise when vision rises,' Philosopher King, Soun, drops new message for subjects

‘Cities rise when vision rises,’ Philosopher King, Soun, drops new message for subjects

Femi OGUNLANA

The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has again penned a message aimed at rousing his subjects towards creating a city that will be an envy of all.

This line of thought (which has precedence of course) is encapsulated in a Facebook post he dropped Monday observing that a city attaining greatness is tied not to magic or government but to the vision formed by its people, stressing transforming a city is largely a function of the mind.

The Oba who disclosed he had travelled to not less than sixty-five nations across the world enroute the throne noted that one conclusion he had made and one characteristic that often makes the difference is the mindset of the inhabitants of a city.

The co-chairman of Oyo State Traditional Council thus charged Ogbomoso people to imbibe this valuable recipe, nurture a wider perspective and act boldly to change the landscape of their cherished city.

Read the homily on full:

As I, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, have journeyed across sixty-five nations of the world, I have observed a profound truth: many of those places are not naturally superior to ours; they simply made a deliberate choice to think and act differently. Their advancement is not founded on magic or mystery but on mindset. This understanding has deepened my conviction that the future of any people is first conceived in the theatre of their thoughts.

The real distinction between a struggling city and a flourishing one is not landmass, population, or even the abundance of resources. It is the quality of thinking among its leaders and citizens. Cities rise when vision rises. Communities prosper when minds prosper. When leaders think boldly, institutions become stronger; when citizens think progressively, opportunities multiply.

Beloved sons and daughters, the way we perceive our city ultimately shapes our experience of it. If we dwell on limitations, we will remain confined by them. But if we recognize our vast potential, we will unlock unprecedented possibilities. Therefore, I call upon every individual, every family, every entrepreneur, every institution, and every stakeholder to embrace a renewed mindset—one that positions our land as a model city admired by nations.

History affirms an enduring principle: no nation grows beyond the level of its collective thinking. Transformation begins with expanded imagination. Progress is born from strengthened belief. Development becomes reality when vision is shared and pursued with unity of purpose. If we seek a different future, we must first cultivate a different mentality.

Let this be our solemn resolve: we shall think differently, act differently, and build differently. We shall reject narrow perspectives and embrace expansive vision. United, in purpose and committed to excellence, we will shape a city that generations yet unborn will celebrate with pride. For the destiny of our land is not determined by chance but shaped by our thoughts, convictions, and deliberate actions.

#sounofogbomosoland