The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has set up a committee to revamp moribund industries in the ancient city.
The team is also charged with the responsibility of reviving Ibadan urban renewal programme abandoned since 2019.
Adeola Oloko, Media Aide,
Olubadan of Ibadanland, announced the establishment of the committee in a statement in Ibadan on Thursday.
Oloko said the committee was immediately inaugurated at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
He said Oba Ladoja appointed Iyalaje Iyalode 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 of the committee.
Other notable personalities in the team, he said, include Chief Adelodun Olaiya; a former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kazeem Sola Adeduntan, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Agbaoye Kola Karim,and Aregbe omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke.
A former Head of Service in Oyo State, Chief Tajudeen Aremu is appointed as the Secretary of the Committee.
Other members 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), 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.
Said he : “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 t members of the committee were carefully selected because they “are business brands, boardroom grand masters and successful entrepreneurs with amazing wealth of experience from which we want to tap.”
The Secretary of the committee, Chief Tajudeen Aremu who spoke on behalf of the committee members pledged the readiness of the committee to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Olubadan and members of his council.
He promise that the members would justify the confidence reposed in them. (vitalnewsngr.com)