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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government has pledged to tackle the longstanding ecological challenges plaguing Ibadan, Oyo State, following a passionate appeal from the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adewolu Ladoja.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when Oba Ladoja led a high-powered delegation from Oyo State to his office, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga.
The monarch used the occasion to push for federal intervention amid recurring floods that have claimed lives, destroyed properties, and crippled economic activities across the ancient city.
Welcoming the royal delegation, Akume urged prominent Nigerians, including alumni of the University of Ibadan, to repay the town’s generosity through deliberate contributions.
“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,” he stated.
The SGF praised the Olubadan’s leadership, adding: “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.
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“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.”
Earlier, Oba Ladoja voiced grave concerns over Ibadan’s environmental woes, urging the Federal Government to deploy relevant agencies for lasting solutions. He commended ongoing national efforts but stressed Ibadan’s unique needs due to its size, population, and history, while pledging traditional rulers’ support for community mobilisation.
He said: “I have come here because we have an ecological problem in Ibadan and I know the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, can resolve it, going by his past records as the one who 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 Olubadan was accompanied by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Alhaji Ademola Alli, Prince Ade Adekanbi, Hon. Nureni, and others.
