The Olubadan of Ibadan, His Majesty Rashidi Ladoja, has declared his readiness to collaborate with international institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles, to strengthen healthcare delivery across Ibadanland in Oyo State.
Speaking on Monday while receiving a delegation from the Sadiat Toyin Lawal Foundation and Tabernacle Worship and Prayer Ministry, California, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, the monarch reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents.
Oba Ladoja described healthcare as a critical driver of development in the ancient city, stressing that improved access to quality medical services remains central to his leadership agenda.
“The health of the people of Ibadanland is of paramount importance to me. I will leave no stone unturned to ensure the promotion of healthy living, because health is wealth,” the monarch stated.
The royal father disclosed plans to establish sustainable partnerships with international organisations aimed at improving infrastructure and service delivery across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems in the state.
As part of efforts to ensure effective coordination, the Olubadan revealed that he had facilitated a strategic engagement between the visiting team and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, led by its Executive Secretary, Muideen Olatunji.
He noted that the collaboration was necessary to align the objectives of foreign partners with local healthcare priorities and government frameworks.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Toyin Lawal, said the visit was aimed at building strong partnerships with traditional institutions to enhance community-based healthcare interventions.
She explained that the initiative would focus on strengthening primary healthcare centres, supporting tertiary health institutions, and improving local government health systems across Ibadanland.
Lawal added that the team plans to donate medical equipment and other essential resources to underserved communities, while a formal proposal covering health advocacy, education, and sensitisation programmes has already been submitted to the palace.
The meeting was attended by top traditional chiefs, including the Balogun, Otun Balogun, Osi Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, and Ekerin Balogun.
The development is seen as a major step toward expanding international collaboration in grassroots healthcare delivery in Oyo State.
