The Federal Government (FG) has agreed to honour Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, with an ecological intervention in the Oyo State capital to mark his first year anniversary on the throne.
This was the outcome of a meeting held in Abuja in the Ecological Project Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), where Oba Balogun was described as a nationalist deserving of anything that would enhance the welfare of his people.
Oba Balogun, it would be recalled, was installed and presented with the Staff of Office by the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on the 11 March, 2022.
He clocked a year on the throne last month, but the memorable occasion could not be celebrated due to the general election held across the country in February and March.
Ahead of that celebration which has now been scheduled for the middle of next month, the traditional ruler had requested for an audience with the SGF on ecological issues affecting his domain, Ibadanland.
In response to his request, the meeting was convened in Abuja and an approval granted to address the issues as raised by the Olubadan.
Oba Balogun was at the meeting by a team led by the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr. Kola Balogun.
He the acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in the past, especially the channelisation of the Ogunpa Stream in Ibadan.
He, however, remarked that there was still much to be done, especially in the area of erosion and other earth-threatening environmental hazards.
Responding to the request by Oba Balogun, the Permanent Secretary in the SGF’s Office, Sheu Ibrahim, praised the Olubadan for his concern for the welfare of his people.
Ibrahim stressed that Oba Balogun had, over the years, showed in deeds and thoughts his love for the people without bias for tribe or religion.
He recalled that the nationalistic posture of the Olubadan informed his recent appointment as the Chancellor of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in far away Kano, Kano State.
Ibrahim assured that if, for time constraint, the ecological intervention doesn’t meet his first year anniversary celebration as planned, it should be taken that he has received it as his first year anniversary gift from the Federal Government.
