UPDATED: Olubadan inaugurates Ibadan Guards Security

A former Minister of Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande, has underscored the relevance of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee (OEIC) and the newly inaugurated Ibadan Security Guard to the industrial growth of Ibadanland.

Akande, in her address at the inauguration of the security outfit, which is aimed at complementing the efforts of the Police and other security agencies at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, on Tuesday, said the committee has the target of attracting local and foreign investment to the land.

The former minister, who also doubles as the Chairman of the committee, submitted that the investment drives without provision of adequate security will be a nullity.

This, according to her, necessitated the establishment of the Ibadan security guard to complement the efforts of the relevant security agencies.

She lauded the initiatives of Oba Ladoja in setting up the committee, adding that it will reshape the economy of the ancient town as well as provide employment opportunities for the teeming youths.

‘This initiative is visionary. It recognises that traditional institutions must not only preserve culture but also actively shape economic destiny.

“On Thursday, 23rd October, 2025, the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee (OEIC) was inaugurated with a clear mandate: to lay a solid economic foundation for the future of Ibadanland. This noble responsibility was entrusted to a distinguished and accomplished commitment to our land.

‘With humility and a deep sense of appreciation, I stand here today to say on behalf of the distinguished members of the committee that faith is justified.

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‘Since our inauguration, the Committee has met five times between November 2025 and March 2026. In those meetings, we moved beyond discussions into structured action. We have developed strategic frameworks to:

“Mobilise a minimum of N25 billion through an economic and investment summit; attract both indigenous and external investors to Ibadanland; facilitate the revival of key moribund industries; development of our mineral resources from informal extraction to organised, value-added industrial production; steps are being taken to establish the Olubadan International Jewelry Trade Centre in partnership with Oodua Investment Company.

“Establish cocoa plantations and structured agribusiness models; strengthen urban renewal concepts; design initiatives for physical and food security; develop plans for reactivating and preserving our historic and cultural landmarks; conceptualise the Ibadan Hall of Fame to immortalise our past illustrious heroes.

“The Ibadan Investment and Economic Development House we will be commissioning today will serve as the institutional backbone for the execution of these plans. It is our operational headquarters – a symbol of permanence and seriousness of purpose.

“The Ibadan Guards Security Coordination Initiative reflects our understanding that development must rest on safety. Security is the foundation of development. Without peace and safety, commerce cannot thrive and families cannot flourish.

Expatiating on the security guard, she said: “This local initiative is designed not to replace government efforts but to complement existing government security architecture and ensure that our compounds, communities, and neighbourhoods remain safe.

‘Security is everyone’s responsibility, and this community initiative provides a structured platform for collective vigilance.

“The distribution of 5,000 bags of garri underscores our immediate commitment to food security and social responsibility. Economic transformation must walk hand in hand with compassion. Food security is not an abstract concept; it is a moral duty. A hungry population cannot pursue progress. While we build industries and attract investments, we must also demonstrate compassion and solidarity with those in immediate need.”