By Babatunde Tiamiyu
As a follow up step to improve the economic fortunes of Ibadanland, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has put together economic ambassadors to revive the economic and investment status of the ancient town.
Oba Ladoja inaugurated the Committee at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, with Olubadan-in-council in attendance.
The monarch named the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan and 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.
Other business moguls and captains of industries on the committee include Chief Adelodun Olaiya, a former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kazeem Adeduntan, Bada Olubadan-Designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Agbaoye Kola Karim, Aare Egbe omo Balogun, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, former Head of Service, Oyo State.
Chief Tajudeen Aremu would serve as the secretary to the committee while other members include a one time President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry,Alhaji Remi Bello, Agbaakin Atayese of Ibadanland, Chief Yomi
Idowu, media promoter is Chairman Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON,Southwest,Deacon Owolabi Oladejo and former President and Chairman, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Dr. Bayo Olugbemi.
Oba Ladoja emphasised that the people of Ibadan are clamouring for the revival of the past
glory of the ancient town when the city was a major hub of top notch business investment and economic activities.
According to Oba Ladoja, “the questions many people are asking include,where is Leyland? Where is Exide Battery? Nigeria wire and Cable? Isoglass and Ferodo?”
The monarch told the committee to come up with strong proposal on how to bring in investors and revival of moribund companies in creating employment opportunities for the youths in the land.
The Olubadan noted that the committee members were carefully selected because they are business brands, boardroom grand masters and succesful entrepreneurs with wealth of experience.
In an interview with newsmen, Secretary of the committee, Chief Tajudeen Aremu,emphasised on the readiness of the committee members to work assiduously towards meeting the mandate given to them by Olubadan and his council.
Chief Aremu expressed the readiness of committee members to justify the confidence reposed in them by Oba Ladoja and the Olubadan in Council.
