Get Guardian on GoogleThe Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed optimism that the long-awaited economic transformation of Ibadan would soon become a reality, following the signing of a comprehensive economic blueprint for the ancient city.
The monarch signed the document at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, after its presentation by the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, chaired by two-time former Minister, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, and co-chaired by former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Dapo Afolabi.
Oba Ladoja described the document as a comprehensive economic charter designed to guide the city’s development across critical sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, security and industry.
He said the blueprint would provide the framework for planning and implementing economic programmes capable of unlocking Ibadan’s vast development potential.
The monarch, while appreciating members of the committee for their painstaking efforts over the past year, particularly in preparing the economic charter, expressed confidence that its implementation would open new opportunities for the city.
With the framework now in place, he said, the sky would be the starting point for Ibadan’s economic development.
Earlier, the committee’s chairperson, Akande, expressed appreciation to the Olubadan for considering members worthy of the responsibility, describing the assignment as an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ibadanland.
The co-chairman, Prof. Afolabi, lauded the monarch for the initiative and praised committee members for their sacrifices of time, resources and expertise in producing the document.
Also speaking, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, who presented the economic charter, said the task of developing Ibadan had only just begun, stressing the need for collective commitment to its implementation.
He called on stakeholders to work together to translate the recommendations in the blueprint into tangible economic and developmental gains for the city.
