By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Revered monarch, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1), has urged the Federal Government (FG), through the Federal Ministry of Health, to resuscitate and transform facilities in University Teaching Hospital (UCH) Ibadan to world-class standard.
The appeal was contained in a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, following a courtesy visit jointly paid by the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhamma Ali Pate, respectfully, to the monarch.
“I am worried about the present precarious situations of health facilities in the University Teaching Hospital which has lost its old glory,” Ladoja said.
“Apart from shortage of health facilities, there is also acute shortage of medical personnel,” he said, adding that urgent action ought to be taken to arrest the situation.
“However, I commend the efforts of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for bringing back the lost glory of the hospital,” he said.
Earlier in their remarks, the two Ministers appreciated the warm reception accorded them and the members of their entourage during their visit to the Olubadan’s palace.
They disclosed that they were in Ibadan to commission the newly-built world-class diagnostic center in UCH, assuring the monarch that all his requests would be noted for the attention of the FG in due course.
Present at the courtesy visit were the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Aare Egbe Omo of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Iyiola; Professor Abiodun Otegbayi, who is the UCH Medical Director, among others.
NYSC Kidnap: Parents Besiege Olubadan’s Palace
Meanwhile, parents of 20 graduates who were abducted on their way from Ibadan to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Imo State have pleaded with the Olubadan to assist in seeking their freedom from captivity.
According to a statement by a media aide to the Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan, weekend, the parents, numbering about 20, told Oba Ladoja in his Bodija, Ibadan residence to use his good offices and personal connections to wade into the matter, and ensure their release.
Speaking through two of the parents, Alhaja Halima Akande and Mr. Oyebola Michael Akande, the parents said their children’s experience in the hands of their captors over the past days was better imagined than told.
“The first-class monarch, who received them at about 1:36 p.m., with the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Abimbola; and Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri, assured them that the matter would be sorted out by the government, as the government is more concerned on the matter as everybody.
“Fortunately, the Oyo Commissioner of Police is here. He will brief you,” Oloko said.
He added that the State Police boss assured the public that the government was on top of the situation.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Olubadan Ladoja.
