Abidikugu Hails Olubadan for Setting Up Economic Team to Drive Urban Renewal & Investment

Dr Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu (KSO), founder and CEO of the DAKA Foundation, has publicly commended the Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, for inaugurating a high-powered economic committee to spearhead urban renewal and investment in Ibadan.

The monarch’s initiative, launched at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, places emphasis on repositioning the city’s economy, restoring legacy industries, and attracting credible investment. Appointed as chair of the committee is the distinguished Chief Onikepo Akande, while Prof Dapo Afolabi serves as co-chair. The composition of the team includes business leaders, former public service heads and investment strategists—reflecting the Olubadan’s vision to harness experience and expertise for Ibadan’s revival.

In his remarks, Abidikugu noted: “I appreciate our Royal Father, His Imperial Majesty the Olubadan of Ibadanland … on the setting up of this economic team to revive moribund companies and bring in urban renewal. The composition of the committee shows that Ibadanland has an array of eminent professionals.” He affirmed his belief that with the current Olubadan’s background, Ibadan is primed for a transformative phase of development.

The Olubadan framed the committee’s mandate around questions such as: “Where is Leyland? Where is Exide Battery? Where is Wire & Cable? Where is Isoglass? Where is Ferodo?” – aiming to resurrect the industrial high-points once anchored in Ibadan. He emphasised the goal of regenerating jobs, attracting investment and restoring the city’s position as a major economic hub.

The committee’s immediate tasks will include:

• Conducting an audit of defunct industrial facilities in Ibadan and developing revival strategies.
• Identifying priority zones for infrastructure upgrading, investment attraction and redevelopment of dilapidated urban areas.
• Engaging private-sector partners and diaspora stakeholders to bring capital, expertise and commerce into the city’s growth agenda.
• Aligning urban renewal with local cultural heritage so that development reflects Ibadan’s identity and preserves communal values.

Abidikugu urged residents and stakeholders in Ibadan to support the initiative, stressing that the traditional institution’s move shows how rulers can play constructive roles in contemporary governance and development. He called on the committee members to “live up to the expectations of the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland.”