The city of Ibadan is blessed with a unique and rich culture of the Yoruba people that transcends beyond the political influence of the ancient city in the South Western region of Nigeria. Ibadan as a city is renowned for its’ remarkable presence as the continental and national firsts across education, sports and media.
Ibadan is home to the first indigenous TV station in Africa (even before France had a TV station), it is also home to the Premier University in Nigeria, University of Ibadan, it is home of the Shooting Stars Sports Football Club (3SC), the first Nigerian club to win the African Winners’ Cup in 1976, and it is home to the oldest surviving private-owned newspaper in Nigeria, the Nigerian Tribune, amongst many other firsts. Ibadan is widely known for his legendary hospitality culture that has seen the city welcome great individuals from different walks of life (both in the ancient and modern times) who have found home within its shelters, thus depicting the famous line, “Ìbàdàn tó gba onílé tó gba àlejò” meaning Ibadan is a city that welcomes both indigenes and non-indigenes.
Ibadan is the third-largest city by population in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano with a population of over 3,649,000 as of 2021 and over 6 million people within its’ metropolitan area. It is the country’s largest city by geographical area and also the fourth largest economy in Nigeria. Ibadan is located in south-western Nigeria, 128 kilometres (80 mi) inland northeast of Lagos and 530 kilometres (330 mi) southwest of Abuja, the federal capital. It is a prominent transit point between the coastal region and areas in the hinterland of the country.
Ibadan embodies the values of openness, cultural diversity and great achievements. It is the city of many first, the city borne witness to the exploits of iconic nationalist and Nigerian leaders. Ibadan is the hub of politics in the western region.
There is a serenity that comes with touring on Ibadan road at night al all the major roads are lighted up. Its’ the brown roofs make it a peculiar sight to behold during the day. The Amala dudu, gbegiri, Ewedu and Emu funfun makes Ibadan more admirable to visit.