By Ayo Onikoyi
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has unveiled Ojaja Soft Drinks in a grand, culturally symbolic ceremony, positioning the locally made beverage brand as a strong contender against established global products.

The launch, which took place earlier this year around February, introduced Ojaja Cola and Ojaja Orange as part of a broader initiative to promote indigenous manufacturing, healthier beverage options, and economic growth. The products are made from natural ingredients, reflecting a deliberate effort to encourage local sourcing while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.

Speaking at the unveiling, the monarch expressed pride in the milestone, describing the canned variants as evidence of Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class goods. He noted that the achievement goes beyond beverages, symbolising national identity and the country’s ability to deliver excellence from concept to completion without external dependence.

According to him, every stage of the Ojaja production process is rooted in local expertise — from the aluminium cans, manufactured within Nigeria, to the formulation of the drinks themselves. This approach, he said, ensures that economic value remains within the country while showcasing the strength of Nigerian manufacturing on the global stage.

The Ooni further emphasised that Ojaja Cola and Ojaja Orange are designed not only to meet but exceed international standards, offering distinctive flavours while redefining perceptions of Nigerian-made products. He added that the brand represents a shift from viewing local goods as alternatives to embracing them as preferred choices.

He described the initiative as part of a broader vision to promote economic sovereignty and cultural pride, noting that the beverages embody a movement aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s identity through its consumption patterns.

Ojaja Soft Drinks are currently available at designated retail outlets in Akure and Lagos, marking the beginning of what the palace describes as a nationwide rollout.