Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed confidence that the long-awaited economic transformation of Ibadan will soon become a reality following the signing of a comprehensive economic and investment blueprint for the city.
Ladoja signed the blueprint of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, on Monday, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, on Tuesday.
Describing the document as a roadmap for Ibadan’s economic development, the monarch said it would guide interventions across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, security and industry.
He said the blueprint had provided a framework upon which a broader economic programme for Ibadanland could be built.
“The document is a comprehensive economic charter to enable us plan our economic programme ranging from agriculture to mining, tourism, security and industry,” Ladoja said.
Expressing optimism about the prospects ahead, the Olubadan added: “I want to express the hope that with the framework at hand, the sky is the starting point for Ibadanland.”
The monarch also commended members of the committee for the work that went into preparing the charter, particularly their efforts over the past year.
Ladoja constituted the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee on October 23, 2025, with a mandate to establish a solid economic foundation for Ibadanland and explore ways of attracting investment and reviving economic activities in the ancient city.
The committee is chaired by two-time former minister, Chief Onikepo Akande, while former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, serves as co-chairman.
Earlier, Akande expressed appreciation to Ladoja for selecting members of the committee to undertake the assignment, saying they considered the appointment an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ibadan.
Afolabi, in his remarks, commended members of the committee for contributing their time, resources and expertise towards the preparation of the blueprint.
Presenting the economic charter, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji said the presentation marked the beginning rather than the conclusion of the committee’s work, stressing the need for collective commitment to its implementation.
“All hands must be on deck,” he said.
The committee’s broader economic agenda has previously been linked to efforts to attract investment, revive moribund industries, develop Ibadan’s mineral resources and promote agribusiness and other productive sectors.
Earlier in 2026, the committee said it was targeting the mobilisation of at least N25 billion through an economic and investment summit.
Among those present at Monday’s presentation were the Balogun of Ibadan, 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 at the ceremony included Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Adeniran.
Minister of Power, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe, and several other members of the committee also attended the event.
