The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has advocated the establishment of state police in Nigeria, stating that it will significantly reduce crime and enhance national development.
The monarch made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the Board of Trustees of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) to the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the royal father emphasized that no meaningful development can take place in an environment plagued by insecurity.
“Where criminal acts thrive, no meaningful development can be achieved, especially at a time when our country is facing several security challenges,” Ladoja said.
He added that the growth of critical sectors such as commerce, industry, mining, and agriculture depends largely on the security of lives and property.
“It is when there is security of life and property that commerce, industry, mines, and agriculture can flourish,” the monarch stressed.
Oba Ladoja also disclosed that the Olubadan Palace has established an Economic and Investment Committee aimed at addressing economic challenges in Ibadanland, particularly issues surrounding power supply. He noted that the committee would work towards reviving moribund industries to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for youths.
Earlier in his remarks, the 23rd President of ICCIMA, Chief Emmanuel Folorunsho Ogunnaike, said the visit was to pay homage, seek mentorship, and explore ways to strengthen economic and trade development in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and commerce.
Ogunnaike called on governments at all levels to revitalize moribund industries and provide the necessary support to tackle challenges facing commerce, industry, mining, and agriculture in Oyo State.
He also appealed to indigenes of Ibadan to invest in their homeland by establishing businesses that would contribute to the city’s economic growth and development.
In a related development, the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Olatunde Romkalilu, as well as members of the Dry Port Committee located in Erunmu, also paid courtesy visits to the Olubadan.
Dignitaries present at the event included Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland; Arch. Bamidele Olusegun; and Chief Abiola Alli, among others.
