Key players push for changes to address Ibadanland's gaps in infrastructure development

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Stakeholders in Ibadan, Oyo State, have called for urgent and coordinated reforms to address worsening infrastructure deficits and rising unemployment in the ancient city, warning that failure to act decisively could undermine its growth and historical relevance.

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The call was made at the 2026 Ibadan Conference organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in honour of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, held at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

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The conference, part of activities marking the Ibadan Cultural Festival, brought together traditional leaders, academics, policymakers and professionals to deliberate on the theme, “Ibadan: Remembering Our Past, Understanding Our Present, Designing Our Future.”

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The President and Founder of Sequola Holdings and Pro-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Kazeem Adeduntan, who chaired the occasion, described Ibadan as a historic civilisation facing modern pressures that require deliberate and unified responses.

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He said, “Our city is not just a city; it is a civilisation built on courage, leadership and community. But if we cannot clearly picture the future we want, then we have failed in our responsibility as sons and daughters of Ibadanland.

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“This theme is not for decoration. It is a call to reflection, a call to responsibility and, above all, a call to action. We can continue to talk, but without execution, nothing will change.”

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Adeduntan stressed that Ibadan’s future would not be secured through isolated efforts or personal ambitions, but through alignment among institutions, communities and leadership structures.

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Highlighting the current realities, he noted that the city is grappling with rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, traffic congestion, environmental strain and unequal access to opportunities.

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“The question is not whether we have history or capable people — we do. The real question is whether we can align behind a shared vision for an Ibadan that works for everyone,” he added.

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In his keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer and Academic Officer of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Abiodun Aibinu, described Ibadan as a “remarkable African city at a critical turning point,” urging stakeholders to embrace reforms that prioritise jobs, infrastructure and skills development.

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According to him, the city’s development must move beyond government-led interventions to a broader framework driven by institutions, communities and global networks of indigenes.

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“The future of Ibadan will not be built by government alone. It will require deliberate cooperation among institutions, community structures and citizens both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.

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Aibinu, who is also the Mogaji of Aikulola-Aibinuomo, identified key challenges confronting the city, including traffic congestion, flooding, housing deterioration, environmental degradation, unemployment, high cost of living and weak healthcare systems.

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To address these issues, he outlined three immediate priorities: employment and livelihood stabilisation, infrastructure improvement and skills development.

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“We must move from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. That requires investment in education, innovation and the revival of our declining institutions,” he said.

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The don also called for grassroots-driven governance reforms, including the integration of traditional structures such as the Mogaji system into formal governance frameworks to strengthen community-level development.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Moshood Akere, said the conference was introduced to deepen intellectual engagement and policy dialogue within the annual cultural celebration.

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“Since 1990, this festival has been a platform for cultural display and reunion. This year, we added this conference to create space for honest conversations about the future of our city,” he said.

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Akere noted that the event also honoured Oba Ladoja, whose leadership, he said, connects Ibadan’s historical legacy with its future aspirations.

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Dignitaries at the event included the Ayingun Olubadan, Babajide Ayoade, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kola Adegbola, and his wife, Olori Aderemi Adegbola; the President-General of the CCII, Ajeniyi Ajewole; and a former Chairman of the CCII, Bayo Oyero, alongside other prominent indigenes and stakeholders.

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Awards were presented to notable personalities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria, Florence Ajimobi; Adeduntan; Aibinu; Oluseye Opatoki; and Saheed Makinde, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the ancient city.

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