Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has asked for the support of Public Relations (PR) practitioners for a successful reign as the 44th Olubadan and for the development of Ibadan.
He stated this when the members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Oyo State chapter, led by Mr Goke Adelakun, paid him a courtesy visit at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, on Tuesday.
Welcoming the NIPR Team, Oba Ladoja described PR specialists as professionals rendering essential services for the society, adding that their work permeates all strata.
The Olubadan-designate said it is commendable to see young people embracing Public Relations practice, noting that the practitioners are indispensable to national development.
He specially called for the support of PR practitioners, noting that their contribution is would be invaluable to the success of his reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I appreciate you people for the visit. It is in solidarity with me as the Olubadan-designate. I am just a coordinator, appointed by the people who will be working for the development of Ibadanland.
“We are all in it together and I will need your support to succeed as your oba. We need to project and promote the good things about Ibadanland, just as we work to make things right.
“We, as young children at the age eight and nine growing up in Ibadanland, we move freely around town, covering several distances even in the night without any fear of insecurity.
“That was an era of good life. We would go to the movies and leave at midnights. Those are good old days which we believe we can bring back.
“With the support I am getting from everybody, I know that it is achievable. Let the people know that our intentions are good. We want to make Ibadan safe and habitable.
“Ibadan has been good to prominent people; we train them and we send back to their various homes to rule.
Ibadan is home to nearly everybody. It will not be different today because that was the spirit of the founders of Ibadan.
“Ibadan has been the centre of Nigeria in the areas of culture, judiciary, education and others. I will be happy if you take it from that we are for Ibadan.
“I want to assure you that Ibadan is home to all Yoruba. However, you should contribute your quotas to make it what it is supposed to be. And that is where your job comes in,” Olubadan-designate said.
Speaking earlier, Chairman, NIPR, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adelakun, said the essence of the courtesy visit was to rejoice with Oba Ladoja on his appointment as the 44th Olubadan, knowing that God has already put him on the throne.
He said his Executive and members are appreciative of all what the Olubadan-designate did for NIPR when he was the governor of Oyo State.
Adelakun said the humility, perseverance, hard work and leadership traits of the Olubadan-designate have continued to endear him to the people of the state.
“Kabiyesi, everything you touched while in government, both as a senator and as the governor, was enduring and impactful.
“Members of NIPR in Oyo State could not but identify with you on your historic ascendancy to the throne of Olubadan simply because of your stance on truth and what is right. Your word is always in line with your action.
“We pledge our support in your new capacity as the Olubadan and your new agenda to make the throne a catalyst for the development of Ibadanland.
“We also assure you of our support in the task of changing the narratives about Ibadanland and making it the cynosure of all eyes, even beyond our country, Nigeria.”
