Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has raised a committee aimed at bringing back economic revival and urban renewal of the ancient city of Ibadan.
Together with members of Olubadan-in-council, the first-class traditional ruler carried out the inauguration exercise on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja named Iyalaje Iyalode and two times Minister of the Federal Republic, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande and former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Dapo Afolabi as Chairman and co-Chairman respectively.
Other notable names on the economic team list included Chief Adelodun Olaiya; former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Sola Adeduntan; Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi;
Agbaoye Kola Karim; and Aregbe omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, while the former Head of Service, Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, would function as the Committee Secretary.
Others were former President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello; Agbaakin Atayese of Ibadanland, Chief Yomi Idowu; media promoter, Chief Owolabi Oladejo; and former President/Chairman, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Pastor Dr Bayo Olugbemi.
Oba Ladoja stated that the people of Ibadan were yearning for the glory of yesteryears when the city was a major hub of investment and economic activities.
“The question people are asking is: where is Leyland? Where is Exide Battery? Where is Wire and Cable?Where is Isoglass? Where is Ferodo?
“Since the kingmakers approved my appointment in July, we have been trying to find out why these companies disappeared.
“How can we bring them back to generate employment opportunities for the large army of young and able-bodied youths in our midst?,” Olubadan asked.
Oba Ladoja noted that the committee members were carefully selected “because they are business brands, boardroom grand masters and successful entrepreneurs with amazing wealth of experience from which we want to tap.”
Secretary of the committee, Chief Tajudeen Aremu who spoke on behalf of other members, pledged the readiness of the committee to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Olubadan and his council.
Chief Aremu, as stated in a release by Olubadan media aide, Adeola Oloko, expressed the hope that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
