The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has solicited 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 NIPR, Oyo State chapter, led by Mr Goke Adelakun, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
Welcoming the NIPR team, Oba Ladoja described PR specialists as professionals rendering essential services for society, adding that their work permeates all strata.
The monarch said it was commendable to see young people embracing public relations practice, noting that the practitioners were indispensable to national development.
He especially called for the support of PR practitioners, noting that their contribution 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 ages of eight and nine growing up in Ibadanland, moved 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 midnight. Those are the good old days that 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 them 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 me that we are in 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,” the Olubadan-designate said.
Earlier, the chairman of NIPR, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adelakun, said 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 that 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,” he said.
