The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Wednesday, solicited the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, for the protection of children’s rights in the country.
The Olubadan, speaking through the Maye Olubadan, Senior Chief Olalekan Alabi, at the palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, noted that UNICEF had made the right choice by making the Olubadan a reference point of contact to other traditional rulers in the country.
The monarch highlighted the significance of Ibadan as a city of firsts in social, economic, political, educational, information, healthcare delivery, and cultural developments in Nigeria.
He said, “Ibadan is the home of firsts in Nigeria, and has been at the forefront of political, information, social, and economic development in the country. To mention just a few, the first teaching hospital, University College Hospital (UCH), was established in Ibadan, the first university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan, was established in 1948, and the first television station in Africa was established in Ibadan.
“The aims and objectives of UNICEF, towards the reduction of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and other social and health problems, will be realised now that you have visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
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Earlier, in his address, UNICEF team leader Mohammed Okorie stated that the visit was necessary to solicit the Olubadan’s support in sensitising, mobilising, and enlightening parents and guardians to ensure that children’s rights are protected.
“Every child’s rights must be protected. Ibadan and Oyo state residents are not accessing UNICEF services as expected, thus the need to appeal to the Olubadan, Olubadan-in-council, Chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales to sensitise and mobilise their people to make use of the facilities and opportunities provided by UNICEF,” Okorie said.
“It is important that expectant mothers attend antenatal care and ensure safe delivery, as well as care for the elderly. We also aim to impact financial assistance to secondary healthcare institutions and other hospitals whenever the need arises.”
In a related development, the Ibadan North East local government traditional council paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on Wednesday. Senior Chief Emiola Rafiu Onideure, speaking on behalf of the traditional council, described the Olubadan as a peace-loving person.
“I am the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland. We are here to celebrate our monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, for several reasons. If we want to open the book of our father, we will have many pages. Baba is a peace-loving person and prudent.
“Baba is always a good man to everybody. He is a good father to everyone. During his time as Chairman of the traditional council in Ibadan North East, we enjoyed his leadership. He deserves more than this; we just have to do something to show our appreciation,” he added.
