The Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has launched a new economic and food security initiative tagged “Garri Ibadan” as part of efforts to combat rising food scarcity and improve livelihoods across Ibadan.
The initiative, unveiled as part of a broader socio-economic development agenda, is designed to provide affordable staple food—particularly garri—to residents while stimulating local production and economic activity. It forms a key component of the monarch’s strategy to address hunger and cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable populations.
The programme is being driven by the Olubadan Committee on Economic and Investment and is expected to create a sustainable supply chain around cassava processing, distribution, and sales. According to stakeholders, the initiative will not only make food more accessible but also generate employment opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
The development aligns with other recently announced interventions by the monarch, including a community-based security outfit known as “Ibadan Guards,” aimed at strengthening safety and stability across the city. Both initiatives are seen as complementary efforts to improve welfare and attract investment into Ibadanland.
Observers have described the “Garri Ibadan” project as a timely response to growing concerns over food inflation and scarcity, noting that garri remains a staple consumed widely across households in southwestern Nigeria.
Traditional leaders and stakeholders have also commended the initiative, highlighting the Olubadan’s proactive approach to governance and grassroots development. They noted that the monarch’s background in public service and business is reflected in his focus on practical, community-driven solutions.
With Ibadan’s population running into millions and its status as a major economic hub in Oyo State, analysts believe that initiatives like “Garri Ibadan” could play a significant role in stabilizing food supply while boosting local enterprise.
The launch of the initiative signals a renewed push to reposition Ibadan as a centre of economic innovation and social welfare, reinforcing its historic reputation as a “Pacesetter” city in Nigeria.
