The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, on his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, who attended the historic ceremony on Friday, 26th September, in Ibadan, Oyo State, described the new monarch as “a father indeed,” prayed for a peaceful and impactful reign.
Dr. Dabban also extended his felicitations to the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large. He urged Nigerians to remain supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, noted that many of the ongoing reforms have begun yielding results due to the people’s patience and cooperation.
Speaking on the agricultural sector, the ARCN boss disclosed that reforms are currently underway to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural research system, with the goal of achieving sustainability and food security.
The coronation attracted several dignitaries, including the Governors of Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Biodun Oyebanji, and Sen. Ademola Adeleke respectively. Former governors present were Donald Duke (Cross River), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Sen. Gbenga Daniel (Ogun).
Also in attendance were leading agricultural scholars and institutional heads such as Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute; Dr. Rasheed Folorunsho, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure; and Dr. Abdulganiyu Ibrahim, Provost, Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan.
Traditional rulers at the ceremony included 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.
