The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has inaugurated the Monarch Investment and Economic Committee to drive economic revival and urban renewal in the ancient city.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, with members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance.
A statement by Adeola Oloko, the media aide to Olubadan, said Oba Ladoja appointed two distinguished Nigerians to lead the committee — former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, as chairperson, and former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, as co-chairman.
Other members include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; former Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi; Agbaoye Kola Karim; Aaregbe Omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke; and former Oyo State Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, who will serve as Secretary.
Also on the list are former President of the 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 of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Bayo Olugbemi.
Speaking during the inauguration, Oba Ladoja said the committee’s task is to restore Ibadan’s lost economic vibrancy and attract new investments to the city.
“The people of Ibadan are yearning for the glory of yesteryears when our city was a major hub of investment and industrial activity.
“The question people keep 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 and how we can bring them back to create employment opportunities for our youths,” the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja described the committee members as “business brands, boardroom grandmasters, and successful entrepreneurs with an amazing wealth of experience” from which the throne hopes to tap for the city’s progress.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Secretary, Chief Aremu, pledged the team’s commitment to the Olubadan’s vision.
He said: “We are determined to meet the yearnings and aspirations of His Imperial Majesty and the Olubadan-in-Council, and we will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us.”
Credit: newspeakonline.com
