By Odita Sunday
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, on his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking in Ibadan on Friday, September 26, during the coronation ceremony, Dr. Dabban described the newly crowned monarch as “a father indeed and a unifying figure for Ibadan and Oyo State at large.”
The ARCN boss commended the people of Ibadan for their loyalty to tradition, noting that the enthronement of Senator Ladoja marks “a new era of wisdom, progress, and unity.”
Beyond royal felicitation, Dr. Dabban used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that ongoing reforms were already yielding results.
“Some of the reforms we have seen so far are successful because of the patience and support of Nigerians. I urge our people to continue to stand by the President for the good of the nation,” Dabban said.
On agriculture, the ARCN helmsman reaffirmed that strategic efforts are underway to reform Nigeria’s agricultural research system, with a vision to achieve sustainable food security.
The coronation was attended by an array of dignitaries including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Also in attendance were former governors Donald Duke (Cross River), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun).
Heads of agricultural colleges and institutions, such as Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute; Dr. Rasheed Folorunsho, Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure; and Dr. Abdulganiyu Ibrahim of the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, also graced the event.
Traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were equally present to honor the occasion.