The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Tuesday inaugurated the Ibadan Economic Investment and Business Development Desk alongside the Ibadan Community Guards Security Coordination Desk in a move to boosting economic growth and strengthening security across Ibadanland.
The event, held at the Afin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo state capital also featured the unveiling of “Gaari Ibadan,” a local initiative designed to enhance food security and promote economic empowerment. The programme, described as the brainchild of the monarch, attracted prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan from within Nigeria and the diaspora.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, Olori Onikepo Akande, commended the monarch’s foresight in setting up the committee to revive moribund industries in the city. She noted that the committee had already begun repositioning several struggling companies, signalling a new phase of economic revitalisation for Ibadan.
In his remarks, Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their efforts, stressing that the newly established Ibadan Community Guards would complement existing security agencies such as the police, Department of State Services, and Amotekun Corps.
He assured residents of his commitment to providing necessary support to ensure the success of the security outfit, emphasizing that Ibadan must be safeguarded against external threats.
The monarch also urged residents to patronise “Gaari Ibadan,” describing it as a laudable initiative that would create jobs, boost local markets, and preserve the city’s cultural heritage.
In his remarks at the occasion, Special Adviser on Security Matter and Chairman,Oyo State Security Trust Fund , C. P Fatai Owoseni rtd. emphasized the importance of the initiative to improving security in the state.
He commented the Olubadan’ for the initiative assuring proper coordination of the community guards and cooperation with the the police and other security agencies in the state.
Also speaking with newsnen, the All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Barrister Sharadadeen Alli who lauded the initiative, urged all Mogajis and Baales in the various communities in Ibadanland to cooperate with the committee to flush out criminal element in their domain
He noted that the ” Garri Ibadan” initiative was the outcome of the committee on Agriculture set up by the Olubadan adding that the new security architecture in Ibadanland will create an atmosphere where farmers can carry out agricultural practices with fear or threats from external forces.
