The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of DAKA Foundation, Dr Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu popularly known as KSO has commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1 on the setting up of an economic team to bring economic revival and urban renewal to the ancient city
It could be recalled that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1 on Thursday raised an economic team aimed at bringing back economic revival and urban renewal in Ibadanland.
The First Class Monarch flanked by members of Olubadan-In-Council, carried out the inauguration exercise of the committee at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja appointed Iyalaje Iyalode, a two times Minister of the Federal Republic, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande and former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof Dapo Afolabi as Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively.
Other notables who made the economic team list include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kazeem Sola Adeduntan, Are Egbe-Omo Balogun, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA), Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Agbaoye Kola Karim, , while the former Head of Service, Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu would function as the Committee secretary.
Oba Ladoja stated that the people of Ibadan are yearning for the glory of yesteryears when the city was a major hub of investment and economic activities.
Oba Ladoja 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 ”
Abidikugu, a Nigerian United Kingdom based psychiatric consultant in a release on Friday commended the Olubadan for his deep thought and foresight to bring the committee together.
He said he is highly elated that with Oba Ladoja as the Olubadan, the ancient city will regain its lost glory.
Abidikugu who is also the Agba-Akin Bobajiro of Ibadanland, said with the coming to the throne of Olubadan, Oba Ladoja is clearly ready to bring about positive economic development to Ibadaland.
He said the composition of the economic team has shown the wisdom of Oba Ladoja as a former Senator and former governor, thanking God that Oba Ladoja is bringing his experience in government to transform Ibadanland.
He reiterated his call on the need to give traditional rulers more significant role in governance, saying the steps taken by Oba Ladoja since he became the Olubadan of Ibadanland is a testimony that traditional rulers if given constitutional role will help in bringing positive developments to their domain.
Abidikugu said in the statement, “I appreciate our Royal Father, His imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1 on the setting up of economic team to revive moribund companies and bring in an urban renewal.
“This step by the Olubadan should be commended by all Sons and daughters as well as residents of Ibadanland as it shows that the ancient city will benefit from the deep governance experience of the Olubadan.
“The members of the committee are well chosen and it shows that Ibadanland have an array of eminent professionals. While I admonished the committee to live up to the expectations of the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland, I wish them successful deliberations.
“I pray that God will continue to preserve the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1 and give him good health to pilot the affairs of our ancient City.
“What Oba Ladoja has been doing since he came to the throne of Olubadan is enough to convince our national legislators that there is the need to fashion a role for our traditional rulers”.
