By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has congratulated Senator Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja on his enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a true father and statesman whose leadership would further unite and inspire the people of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
Dr. Dabban, who was present at the historic coronation ceremony held on Friday, September 26, in Ibadan, Oyo State, extended the felicitations of the ARCN to the new monarch and commended the people of Ibadanland for their rich cultural heritage and loyalty to their traditional institution.
In an official statement signed by the Head of Public Relations of ARCN, Khadijat O. Ameen, the Executive Secretary noted that the installation of Oba Ladoja was not only a blessing to Ibadanland but also to Nigeria as a whole. “The new Olubadan is a father indeed, and I join millions of Nigerians in congratulating him on this revered stool. I also congratulate the people of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole on this great milestone,” he stated.
The ARCN boss further used the occasion to call on Nigerians to continue to support and be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his administration carries out bold reforms aimed at repositioning the country. According to him, some of the reforms undertaken so far have only been successful because of the understanding and resilience of the people.
Speaking on his own mandate at the ARCN, Dr. Dabban revealed that extensive efforts are ongoing to reform the agricultural research system in Nigeria to strengthen sustainability in the nation’s food systems. He stressed that agriculture remains a key driver of national development and food security, assuring that the Council would continue to deliver on its core responsibilities of research, innovation, and extension services.
The coronation of Oba Ladoja was attended by an array of dignitaries across political, academic, and traditional institutions. Among those present were the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Former governors who graced the occasion included Donald Duke of Cross River State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Senator Gbenga Daniel, also of Ogun State.
The event equally drew participation from the agricultural sector, with heads of institutions in attendance such as Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI); Dr. Rasheed Folorunsho, Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure; and Dr. Abdulganiyu Ibrahim, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan.
Traditional rulers were not left out, as the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, joined other royal fathers including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, in paying homage to the new Olubadan.
