By Nkechi Eze
Amid growing concerns over climate change, flooding and environmental degradation across Nigeria, the Federal Government has restated its firm commitment to tackling ecological challenges threatening lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in Oyo State and other parts of the country. The assurance was given as part of renewed efforts by the Tinubu administration to confront the escalating impact of environmental hazards and promote sustainable solutions nationwide.
The commitment was reiterated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, when the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of political leaders and traditional stakeholders from Oyo State.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Akume congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing it as a moment of pride not only for Ibadan but for the nation at large. He assured His Imperial Majesty of the Federal Government’s readiness to intervene decisively in addressing the perennial ecological challenges confronting parts of Oyo State, particularly flooding, erosion and other climate-induced hazards that have continued to inflict hardship on residents.
According to the SGF, tackling ecological problems such as flooding, desertification, erosion and environmental degradation remains a national priority under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stressed that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change while working through relevant agencies to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions that protect vulnerable communities across the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland explained that the visit was necessitated by the urgent need to draw the attention of the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the worsening ecological situation in some parts of Oyo State. He noted that recurrent flooding in affected areas has caused untold hardship for residents, destroying homes, farmlands and livelihoods, and called for timely and lasting intervention to alleviate the suffering of his people.
The monarch appealed for Federal Government support in finding durable solutions to the challenges, expressing confidence that with coordinated action and political will, the ecological threats could be effectively managed.
The visit underscored the role of traditional institutions in national development and advocacy, as well as the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and local stakeholders in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges.
Members of the Olubadan’s entourage included Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Alhaji Chief Ademola Alli, Prince Ade Adekanbi, Honourable Nureni Adisa, and other high-ranking dignitaries, reflecting broad-based concern and collective resolve to secure relief for affected communities in Oyo State.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with assurances that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise ecological interventions as part of its broader agenda to safeguard lives, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters nationwide.
