Traditional title holders in Ibadanland have commended the success of “Garri Ibadan”, an economic and investment initiative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The stakeholders, including Mogajis, Monarchs, Baales, the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) and prominent sons and daughters of the city, described the initiative as the hope of the common man.
This was contained in a statement issued by the the Coordinator of ICPI, Asiwaju Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, who equally doubled as the co chairman of Food and Security sub committee of the Economic and Investment main committee on Monday.
According to the statement, the subsidised Garri Ibadan has reached over 500,000 people across the ancient city since its inception few months ago
They noted that though the market value of the product is over N1,000, it’s been heavily subsidised by the Sub committee chairman and the Gbonka Olubadan, Engr. Chief Dotun Sanusi making it affordable and touching many lives.
The stakeholders dedicated the success of the initiative to the first coronation anniversary of Oba Ladoja, stressing that the monarch’s commitment to its success cannot be overemphasized.
They commended the Olubadan for his visionary leadership in ensuring food security for residents of Ibadan, stating that he has written his name in gold.
The statement also expressed appreciation to the Olubadan-in-Council and members of the Ibadan Economic and Investment Committee for their roles in driving the initiative.
Those specially thanked include the Chairperson of the Committee, Olori Chief Dr Onikepo Akande OON, the Co Chairman and former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Dapo Afolabi OON, the Committee Secretary and former Head of Service in Oyo State, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu, and particularly Prof. Soji Adejumo who works assiduously in ensuring the success of the sub committee’s success.
Sub committee expressed optimism that following the success recorded with Garri Ibadan, the committee will extend similar interventions to other staple foods.
They said such an expansion would further benefit the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.
Recall that Oba Ladoja on April 7, 2026 inaugurated the Ibadan Economic Investment and Business Development Desk and the Ibadan Food Security Initiative/Gaari Ibadan, of which Engr. Dotun Sanusi headed the Sub-Committee of Food and Community Security.
The ceremony, which was held at the Palace of Olubadan, Oke Aremo in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state was to ensure economic development and sustainability of food in Ibadanland.
