Onikepo Akande & Dapo Afolabi Lead as Olubadan Inaugurates Committee to Drive Urban Renewal, Investment

The Olubadan of Ibadanland has officially inaugurated a new committee dedicated to urban renewal and investment in Ibadan, signalling a renewed push to transform the city’s infrastructure, economy and civic environment. The committee is co-chaired by Onikepo Akande and Dapo Afolabi, who bring public-sector experience and private-sector acumen to the drive.

At the inauguration ceremony held in Ibadan, the Olubadan emphasised that Ibadan is poised for a “step-change” in urban renewal—covering infrastructure, public spaces, investment facilitation and economic vibrancy. He said the city must reclaim its status as a major growth hub in the South-West by aligning tradition, governance and investment.

Onikepo Akande, who has had a long record in education, business and public service, underscored the need for smart, inclusive renewal: upgrading old districts, creating investor-friendly parks, ramping up real-estate development and enhancing public amenities so Ibadan becomes “the place people want to live, work and invest in”.

Dapo Afolabi added his voice, stressing that investment should be strategic and aligned with local value: “Infrastructure alone is not enough. We must ensure that when roads are built, the properties around them rise in value; when public spaces are enhanced, people benefit; when we invite investors, local businesses thrive.”

The committee’s first tasks include mapping priority zones for renewal, attracting anchor investments, partnering with urban-planning experts and engaging residents in co-design of community spaces. Plans highlighted: redeveloping dilapidated residential quarters, improving drainage and road networks, installing street-lighting and CCTV for safety, creating recreational hubs and making Ibadan a “green, connected, resilient” city.

Stakeholders hope the initiative will also unlock private-sector funds, boost local employment, increase urban liveability and shift Ibadan’s image from infrastructure laggard to growth frontier. The Olubadan reaffirmed traditional-institution backing for the project, emphasising that cultural heritage and modern investment can go hand-in-hand