The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify federal actions to address food security, healthcare and insecurity, saying these are among Nigeria’s most pressing challenges that require sustained and strategic intervention.
Oba Ladoja spoke after a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he expressed confidence in the president’s leadership while urging deeper government focus on citizens’ welfare.
The traditional monarch made his call on Friday, January 23, 2026, during a meeting with President Tinubu, which was also an opportunity to thank him for attending his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025.
Oba Ladoja said the country’s security situation, particularly in farming and rural communities, continues to hinder economic activity and undermine national productivity.
“The major problem that we really have now is the problem of insecurity,” the Olubadan said, noting that fear has made many farmers reluctant to go to their farms and has begun spreading to southern states. He stressed that insecurity disrupts everyday economic activities and heightens anxiety among citizens about their safety.
Oba Ladoja urged the federal government to prioritise food security solutions, saying that unless farmers can safely access their farmlands and produce food, the nation’s ability to feed itself will remain constrained.
He also emphasised the need for improved healthcare facilities, calling for standard hospitals capable of delivering quality medical services to Nigerians as part of a broader push to enhance public wellbeing.
Despite the concerns he raised, the Olubadan expressed confidence that Nigeria’s complex challenges are not insurmountable and commended the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts, particularly its approach to tackling insecurity.
“We believe that the President is tackling it currently,” he said, signalling support for the government’s strategy while urging sustained momentum.
Oba Ladoja also praised President Tinubu’s record as a former governor of Lagos State, noting that his experience in urban governance equips him with insights relevant to national leadership.
He conveyed optimism that with continued focus on economic reforms and stronger interventions in critical sectors, Nigeria could overcome its current difficulties within the president’s tenure.
Experts say food security remains a core development issue in Nigeria, with climate change, insecurity and limited access to inputs constraining agricultural productivity.
Targeted government policies that combine security improvements with support for farmers and rural development are widely considered essential for boosting production and reducing dependence on food imports.
The Olubadan’s appeal reflects growing public concerns about the intersection of insecurity and food production, particularly as conflict and criminal activity disrupt farming activities in key agricultural belts.
Strengthening safety, expanding access to farmland and bolstering healthcare infrastructure are seen by stakeholders as necessary pillars in advancing national stability and economic resilience.
