FG pledges urgent intervention as Olubadan seeks help for Oyo’s ecological crisis

The Federal Government has assured the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, of its readiness to tackle the perennial flooding and ecological challenges ravaging parts of Oyo State.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when the monarch and a high-powered delegation of Oyo State leaders paid him a courtesy visit.

Senator Akume stated that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration considers addressing ecological challenges a national priority.

He reiterated the government's commitment to mitigating the harsh impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, erosion, and desertification across the country, with specific attention to the urgent needs of Oyo State.

While congratulating Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, the SGF emphasized that the federal government is not oblivious to the environmental hazards threatening livelihoods in the region and is poised to deploy necessary interventions to arrest the situation.

Speaking earlier on the purpose of the visit, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to come to the aid of his people.

The monarch lamented that persistent flooding in specific areas of the state has inflicted untold hardship on the masses, destroying property and disrupting economic activities.

He noted that the visit to the SGF’s office was strategic to seek a lasting solution to these recurring environmental nightmares that have besieged the ancient city and its environs.

The Olubadan was accompanied by a distinguished entourage of political and traditional leaders, including the Senator representing Oyo North, Dr. AbdulFatai Buhari; the Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli; Alhaji Chief Ademola Alli; Prince Ade Adekanbi; and Hon. Nureni Adisa, among other dignitaries.