The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has raised an economic team aimed at bringing about economic revival and urban renewal in the ancient city.

The inauguration ceremony was carried out at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Oba Ladoja appointed Iyalaje Iyalode and two-time 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 notable members of the economic team include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kazeem Sola Adeduntan; Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi; Agbaoye Kola Karim; Aregbe Omo Balogun; and Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke. The former Head of Service, Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, will serve 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), Pastor Dr Bayo Olugbemi.

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.

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 grandmasters, and successful entrepreneurs with an amazing wealth of experience from which the council intends to draw.

The Secretary of the Committee, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, who spoke on behalf of the members, pledged the readiness of the committee to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Olubadan and his council. He expressed hope that they would justify the confidence reposed in them. (Nigerian Tribune)