The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate and upgrade facilities at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to world-class standard.
The monarch made the call during a courtesy visit to his palace by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the monarch expressed concern over the deteriorating state of some facilities at the premier teaching hospital.
“I am worried about the present precarious situation of health facilities in the University College Hospital, which has lost its old glory,” Oba Ladoja said.
The Olubadan also lamented the shortage of healthcare facilities and medical personnel at the institution, stressing the need for urgent intervention to reverse the situation.
He, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at restoring the lost glory of UCH, urging the Federal Government to sustain and intensify such interventions.
Earlier, the two ministers appreciated the Olubadan for the warm reception accorded them and their entourage during the visit.
They disclosed that they were in Ibadan to commission the newly built world-class diagnostic centre at UCH.
The ministers assured the Olubadan that his requests and concerns would be noted and conveyed to the Federal Government for appropriate consideration.
Among dignitaries present at the courtesy visit were the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez; Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Aare Egbe Omo of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Iyiola; and the Medical Director of UCH, Professor Abiodun Otegbayo, among others.
