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By Oluseye Ojo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a high-powered economic committee, known as Monarch Investment and Economic Committee, aimed at reviving the city’s economy and promoting urban renewal.
The committee, comprising seasoned business leaders and experts, is expected to drive investment and economic activities in the ancient city.
At the inauguration ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Ladoja named Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, a two-time Minister in Nigeria, as Chairman, and Prof. Dapo Afolabi, former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as Co-Chairman.
The list of committee members also includes Chief Adelodun Olaiya; Dr. Sola Adeduntan, former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria; Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi; Agbaoye Kola Karim; and Aregbe Omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke.
A former Head of Service in Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, has also been chosen to function as the committee secretary.
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 and Chairman, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Pastor (Dr.) Bayo Olugbemi, are also members of the committee.
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Ladoja, in his remarks, explained that the committee’s mandate is to help restore Ibadan’s lost glory as a major hub of investment and economic activities.
He lamented the disappearance of iconic companies such as Leyland, Exide Battery, and Wire and Cable, and tasked the committee to explore ways to revive them and create employment opportunities for the city’s teeming youth population.
The Olubadan noted that the committee members were carefully selected for their expertise and experience in business, entrepreneurship, and governance.
He expressed confidence that their collective efforts would yield positive results and help reposition Ibadan as a thriving economic centre.
Secretary of the committee, Chief Aremu, who spoke on behalf of the committee members, pledged their commitment to delivering on the Olubadan’s vision and meeting the expectations of the people of Ibadan.
He assured that they would work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them and contribute to the city’s economic resurgence.
