The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has formed an economic committee aimed at reviving defunct industries within the ancient city.
The monarch made this known during the inauguration of the committee, which is chaired by a former Minister of Trade, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, with a former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Dapo Afolabi, serving as co-chairman.
Other members inaugurated on Thursday in Ibadan include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; former Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kazeem Sola Adeduntan; Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi; Agbaoye Kola Karim; Aregbe Omo Balogun; Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke; and a former Head of Service of Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, who will act as the committee’s secretary.
Also appointed as members are former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Remi Bello; Agbaakin Atayese of Ibadanland, Chief Yomi Idowu; Chief Owolabi Oladejo; and former President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Bayo Olugbemi.
Addressing the gathering, Ladoja said the people of Ibadan longed for the return of the city’s past glory, when it served as a leading centre for investment and economic activity.
According to the traditional ruler, the committee was established to help revive some of the city’s long-abandoned industries.
He explained that the members were carefully chosen for the task. “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.”
