The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated the Monarch Investment and Economic Committee, a high-powered team aimed at driving economic revival and urban renewal in Ibadan.
The inauguration, held on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council and other distinguished personalities.
Oba Ladoja appointed Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, former Minister of the Federal Republic and Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, as Chairman, while Prof. Dapo Afolabi, former Head of Service of the Federation, was named Co-Chairman.
Other members of the committee include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; Dr. Kazeem Sola Adeduntan, former Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria; Chief Dotun Sanusi, Bada Olubadan-Designate; Chief Kola Karim, Agbaoye of Ibadanland; and Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, Aregbe Omo Balogun.
The Secretary of the committee is Chief Tajudeen Aremu, former Head of Service, Oyo State. Other notable members are Alhaji Remi Bello, former President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Chief Yomi Idowu, Agbaakin Atayese of Ibadanland; Chief Owolabi Oladejo, media promoter; and Pastor Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, former President and Chairman, Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
In his remarks, Oba Ladoja expressed concern over the disappearance of once-thriving industries in Ibadan, such as Leyland, Exide Battery, Wire and Cable, Isoglass, and Ferodo.
“The question people are asking is: where are these companies? Since the Kingmakers approved my appointment in July, we have been trying to find out why they disappeared and how we can bring them back to generate employment opportunities for our youths,” the monarch said.
He noted that the committee members were chosen based on their proven records as business leaders and accomplished entrepreneurs whose experiences would help reposition Ibadan as a major investment hub.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chief Tajudeen Aremu assured the Olubadan and his council of the team’s commitment to fulfilling their mandate and restoring the city’s lost economic glory.
