By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has iniaugurated Iyalaje Iyalode and two times Minister, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande and former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof Dapo Afolabi as Chairman and co-Chairman respectively of an economic team aimed at bringing back economic revival and urban renewal in the ancient city.
Flanked by members of Olubadan-in-council, tne first class monarch carried out the inauguration exercise on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Other members of the economic team include 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.
Former Head of Service, Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu would function as the Committee secretary.
Others are 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, Dr Bayo Olugbemi.
Speaking at the inauguration, Oba Ladoja said the people of Ibadan are yearning for the glory of yesteryears when the city was a major hub of investment and economic activities.
He said, “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.”
The Olubadan noted that the committee members have been carefully selected because they are business brands, boardroom grand masters and succesful entrepreneurs with amazing wealth of experience from which the city want to tap.
Responding on behalf of other members of the Committee, the Secretary, Chief Tajudeen Aremu pledged the readiness of the committee to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Olubadan and his council.
He expressed the hope that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
