*As Olubadan seeks government’s intervention
The Federal Government has assured of its readiness to tackle the ecological challenges facing Ibadan in Oyo State.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday when the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, led a powerful delegation from Oyo State to his office, according to a statement signed Thursday by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Welcoming the august visitors, Sen. Akume called on notable Nigerians, including himself, who have benefited from the generosity and unique quality education offered by the premier university, the University of Ibadan, to make intentional efforts to give back to the ancient town.
“We will do everything we can to support the development of Ibadan, especially in the area of resolving the ecological problem that has long plagued the place and which has led to flooding.
“As a king, you occupy an important and crucial position and this is shown in the sacrifice you have made to personally visit this office to seek the support of the federal government to urgently address the ecological crisis in your domain.
“On a personal level, you have challenged some of us that benefitted from the generosity of the Ibadan people to go back and give back to a town that gave us so much as students of the University of Ibadan in those days.
“There is no doubt that the town contributed a lot to what we are today. Ibadan is a very peaceful and accommodating town. It is a microcosm of Nigeria.
“I have known you since 1992 not just as a fine and extraordinary Nigerian, but also as a distinguished Senator and successful businessman, who is determined to uplift his people.
“We appreciate your love for humanity and we will continue to pray for you to give meaningful and impactful leadership to your people,” Akume said.
Earlier, the monarch expressed deep concern over the recurring flooding and other environmental challenges confronting Ibadan, noting that the situation had resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities in several parts of the ancient city.
Oba Ladoja appealed to the federal government to intervene urgently through relevant agencies to provide lasting solutions to the ecological problems.
The Olubadan, who commended the federal government for its on-going efforts in addressing ecological issues across the country, said Ibadan deserves special attention due to its size, population and historical importance.
He assured the SGF of the continued support of the traditional institution in mobilising communities and ensuring the success of any intervention aimed at restoring the city to safety and environmental stability
According to him, “I have come here because we have an ecological problem in Ibadan and I know the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, can resolve it going by his past records as the one that made the Ogunpa Channelisation Project possible. Till today, no one is talking about flooding in Ogunpa again.
“It should be noted that Ogunpa is not the only area that is affected by flooding. It is heightened because it affects the elite area. There are cases of flooding in areas where the masses live too.
“These places are more flooded than the Ogunpa area, but it is not as reported as Ogunpa. This is why I have come to submit a letter identifying these areas and to persuade the federal government to come to our aid.
“I know the SGF as the engine room of the government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I knew him since 1992 and I know the role he can play in the development of Ibadan.
“My goal is to make Ibadan better than I met it. I am here to appeal to him to consider us for the ecological fund as he once did in the past. I know I can lean on him.
“I have known the SGF since 1992 and he is truly a good man. He should have been an Ibadan man.
“We know the relationship between us from the South-West and the North-Central, particularly, Benue State. He is a friend, a brother and an accomplished person”.
The Kabiyesi was accompanied by Sen. AbdulFatai Buhari, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, Alh. (Chief) Ademola Alli, Prince Ade Adekanbi, Hon. Nureni among others.
