As part of efforts to reposition and make Ibadan a mega city by 2040, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has inaugurated 20 committees towards the realization of the project.
Mr Yemi Soladoye, the President-General of the association made the disclosure in Ibadan n Sunday during the inauguration of 20 committees to drive the Ibadan agenda
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CCII which was founded in 1982 is the umbrella body of all Ibadan indigenous clubs with 236 clubs affiliate clubs at present.
Soladoye stated that the mission of the repositioned CCII was to see Ibadan become a mega city in 2040, urging Ibadan indigenes across the world to make it a reality by contributing actively.
“We have come up with robust programmes and projects for Economics, Political and Cultural Rennaisance of Ibadan land.
“There is no room for pessimism, cynism or arm chair patriotism. Let nobody discourage us that the project is impossible, infact we have started already.
“Now we should be tired of still chorusing the greatness of our forefathers almost 150 years after. We need new songs and heroes in Ibadanland,’’ he said.
He noted that the CCII has set up 20 committees with the aim of transforming it from having activities once a year to having activities each day of the year.
According to him, “the signposts and indicators to witness on the journey to show the association was on course are to transform the Ibadan Airport into an International Airport and alternative to Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“We want to see Ibadan serving as residential town to people working Lagos. We want Ibadan to become the economic hub of South West Nigeria.
“We want to see the city becoming the leading Tourism Centre in Nigeria for Arts and Culture. We want to see it becoming a reference point for self-help community projects.
“We to return Ibadan as the seat of political leadership and direction for South West Nigeria and we look forward to seeing CCII as an internationally recognized community voice in Nigeria.’’
Soladoye listed the new committees as Finance and General Purpose; Ibadan Cultural Festival; Membership Development and Services; Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Awards.
The president-general, who listed several achievements his administration in 100 days, said that his administration was also committed to the completion of the Olubadan palace before the expiration of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi’s administration.
He urged the people to beware of people `Pull Him Down (PHD) Syndrome’ and who jettison working for glory and legacy for money.
Mr Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of the occasion in his goodwill message applauded the Soladoye-led executive for the innovative and noble idea.
Makinde urged the newly inaugurated committee members to the opportunity as an avenue for them to contribute their quota to the progress and development of Ibadanland.
Among the committees are Ethics and Values; Youth Development and Empowerment; Research, Planning and Economic Development; Social, Welfare and Sports Development; Public Relations and Ibadan Rebranding.
On the list are Olubadan-in-Council and Related Affairs; Ibadan Less City and Urban Renewal; Safety of Lives and Properties; Lobby and Legislative Matters; Ibadan Gbemi and Non-Indigenes.
Others are Health, Editorial, Legal Affairs, Council Secretariat and Library and Archives.
NAN reports that the inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent Ibadan sons and daughters from all walks of life and across the world. NAN
