The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed optimism that Ibadan’s long-awaited economic transformation will soon become a reality, following the signing of a comprehensive economic and investment blueprint for the ancient city.
The monarch gave the assurance after signing the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee blueprint at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Monday.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, the document is designed to provide a strategic framework for Ibadan’s economic development and position the city for sustainable growth.
Oba Ladoja said the blueprint would guide the development of key sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, security and industry.
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He described the document as a comprehensive economic charter that would help the city plan and implement its economic development programmes.
“The document is a comprehensive economic charter to enable us plan our economic programme ranging from agriculture to mining, tourism, security and industry.
“I want to express the hope that with the framework at hand, the sky is the starting point for Ibadanland. I want to appreciate the committee for their painstaking efforts over the past one year, especially in drawing up the Ibadan economic charter,” the monarch said.
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The Olubadan had constituted the Economic and Investment Committee on October 23, 2025, with the responsibility of developing a solid economic foundation for the future of Ibadan.
The committee was chaired by two-time former Minister, Chief Onikepo Akande, while former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Dapo Afolabi, served as co-chairman.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Akande expressed appreciation to the Olubadan for finding members of the committee worthy of the responsibility.
She also acknowledged the monarch’s commitment to the economic advancement of Ibadanland.
Similarly, Afolabi commended the committee members for their contributions and sacrifices, particularly their commitment of time, resources and expertise towards producing the economic blueprint.
Presenting the economic charter, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji said the assignment was only the beginning of a broader process, stressing the need for collective commitment to achieve the objectives of the initiative.
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He called on stakeholders to support the implementation of the blueprint, noting that the success of the initiative would require the involvement of all relevant parties.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and the Osi Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu.
Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance included the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and the Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Adeniran.
The presentation also attracted virtually all members of the economic committee, including the Minister of Power, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe.
The signing of the blueprint marks a significant step in efforts to reposition Ibadan as an economically competitive city, although its ultimate impact will depend on effective implementation, stakeholder collaboration and the mobilisation of investment into the identified sectors.
