The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed strong optimism that the much-anticipated economic transformation of Ibadanland is only a matter of time, following the signing of a comprehensive economic blueprint designed to provide a strategic roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the ancient city. The first-class monarch gave the assurance on Monday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, shortly after signing the Ibadan Economic Charter prepared by the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, chaired by two distinguished Nigerians, the two-time former Minister, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, and former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Dapo Afolabi.
According to Oba Ladoja, the document provides a comprehensive framework for planning and implementing Ibadan’s economic development programmes across critical sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, security and industry. While expressing appreciation to the committee members for their dedication, sacrifices and painstaking efforts over the past year, particularly in producing the Ibadan Economic Charter, the Olubadan said the blueprint would provide a solid foundation for the city’s economic transformation. He expressed confidence that with such a strategic framework now in place, the possibilities for Ibadan’s growth, prosperity and development are limitless.
Earlier, the committee chairperson, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, expressed appreciation to the Olubadan on behalf of the committee for finding its members worthy of the responsibility entrusted to them, while the committee’s co-chairman, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, commended the monarch for his vision and initiative and appreciated members of the committee for their sacrifices of time, resources and expertise in delivering on the assignment.
Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, who presented the economic charter, emphasised that the presentation marked the beginning of a more demanding phase of the assignment, stressing that all stakeholders must work collectively to translate the blueprint into tangible economic outcomes.
Among the distinguished personalities present at the presentation were the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and Osi Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu.
Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance included Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Adeniran.
The ceremony was also attended by virtually all members of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, including the Minister of Power, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe.
