Ibadan stakeholders push for ‘4.0’ agenda
Stakeholders in Ibadan have intensified calls for a comprehensive development agenda tagged: ‘Ibadan 4.0,’ urging urgent interventions in job creation and infrastructure renewal to reposition the ancient city for sustainable
- From Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
Stakeholders in Ibadan have intensified calls for a comprehensive development agenda tagged: ‘Ibadan 4.0,’ urging urgent interventions in job creation and infrastructure renewal to reposition the ancient city for sustainable growth.
The demand formed the core of discussions at the 2026 Ibadan Conference organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in honour of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The conference, organised by the Chairman, Ibadan Conference Sub-Committee of 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Mr Ademola Alabi, held at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, drew participants from across traditional institutions, academia and professional class.
The conference with the themed: “Ibadan: Remembering our past, understanding our present, designing our future”, was held under the chairmanship of the Pro-Chancellor, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Dr Adesola Adeduntan.
Oba Ladoja was represented by the Ayingun Balogun of Ibadanland, Mogaji Babajide Ayoade.
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Adeduntan described “Ibadan 4.0” concept as a necessary shift from rhetoric to coordinated action, warning that the city risks stagnation without deliberate planning.
He said: “Ibadan is not just a city; it is a civilisation built on structure, discipline and communal responsibility. But great cities do not drift into greatness. They are built deliberately, renewed deliberately and coordinated deliberately.”
He said the vision for Ibadan’s future must be collectively owned, noting that fragmented efforts and uncoordinated ambitions would continue to slow development.
“The future will not be secured by isolated actions. It will come when there is cohesion, alignment and a shared commitment to a common vision,” Adeduntan added.
Guest Speaker Prof. Abiodun Aibinu said Ibadan was at a “critical turning point” and must embrace a structured transition to a knowledge-driven economy anchored on innovation, skills and institutional collaboration.
According to him, the “Ibadan 4.0” framework represents a new phase of development that integrates traditional institutions, community initiatives and modern governance systems.
“Ibadan’s future will not be built by government alone. It requires deliberate cooperation among institutions, communities and a global network of its people,” Aibinu said.
He identified unemployment, weak infrastructure and declining social services as major threats to the city’s growth, warning that failure to address them could deepen economic and social inequalities.
“The immediate priorities are clear, employment and livelihood stabilisation, infrastructure improvement, and skills development. Without these, the vision of Ibadan 4.0 will remain theoretical,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor/ Chief Executive & Academic Officer, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State advocated urban renewal, revitalisation of educational institutions and a shift from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based system driven by innovation and human capital.
He also called for stronger grassroots governance, recommending the integration of traditional structures such as the Mogaji system into formal governance, to enhance community-level coordination and accountability.
The Chairman of Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Alhaji Moshood Akere, said the introduction of the conference into the annual cultural festival was aimed at creating a platform for policy dialogue and forward-thinking discussions.
“Since 1990, this festival has served as a platform for cultural expression and reunion. This conference is an addition to ensure we also engage in honest conversations about the future of Ibadan,” he said.
He noted that the event was also organised to honour Oba Ladoja, whose leadership, he said, reflected a bridge between Ibadan’s historical legacy and its aspirations for modern development.
High point of the event was the presentation of awards to personalities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria, Dr Florence Ajimobi, Adeduntan, Aibinu, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki and Otunba Saheed Makinde, in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of Ibadanland.
