The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged the Federal Government to address ecological challenges threatening communities in Ibadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in addressing the ecological challenges confronting residents of Ibadan, particularly those in vulnerable communities.

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The monarch made the appeal during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at his office in Abuja.

According to a statement issued in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan acknowledged past interventions by the Federal Government and the World Bank, especially on the Ogunpa channelisation project, which has helped to mitigate flooding in some parts of the city.

Oba Ladoja, however, noted that several other communities remain exposed to severe ecological threats, especially during the rainy season.

“Ogunpa ecological problem gained more prominence because the areas affected are elitist areas stretching from Mokola, Ekotedo, Ogunpa, Oke Ado to Molete,” the monarch said.

He urged the Federal Government to extend similar attention to less-privileged communities such as Oranyan, Kudeti, Agbongbon and other parts of Ibadan that have received little attention over the years.

“I want to request the assistance of the Federal Government to help solve the ecological problems threatening the downtrodden people living around Oranyan, Kudeti Agbongbon Area and some other parts of the city that have not been in the spotlight due to no fault of theirs.

“What the numerous people along this route encounter during the rainy season is better imagined than told,” Oba Ladoja stressed.

Responding, the SGF, Senator Akume, said he was not surprised by the monarch’s visit, noting that the Olubadan’s concern for the welfare of his people had earned him widespread admiration.

He assured the monarch that the Federal Government would do everything within its capacity to address the ecological challenges raised.

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Oba Ladoja was accompanied on the visit by Senator Fatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South, and other prominent stakeholders from the state.