Why Visit Ibadan, Nigeria?

Because Ibadan is one of the oldest and largest city in Nigeria in terms of land mass. Popularly called the ‘Ancient City,’ it is the capital of Oyo State situated in the southwest part of the country. Asides being an administrative city, it is also a key trade and commerce area.

Because this ancient city steeped in culture and tradition of the Yoruba people, is where the country’s first university, the university of Ibadan was built. The city is also home to the first skyscraper in Nigeria, known as the Cocoa House. This building was built in 1964 from the profits of mostly Cocoa as well as other agricultural products synonymous to the region.

Because Ibadan is known to have the first Television station and first Teaching Hospital in Africa and is also proudly a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. No wonder Ibadan is nicknamed the ‘City of Firsts!’ Where culture is concerned historically, Ibadan held a strategic and major position in the old Oyo Empire.

Because there’s lots to explore in Ibadan! You can go on a bus tour of the city! Close to the city you can visit Ado Awaye, a small town acclaimed for the Iyake Hanging Lake (also known as Ado Awaye Suspended Lake). It is reported as one of the only two existing hanging lakes in the world!

Because Ado Awaye mountains is a wonderful place to stretch your legs if you enjoy walking! Accompanied by a local guide telling the history of the mountain, you can have a try climbing up its summit said to have at least six hundred steps. And at the top enjoy a spectacular view of the mysterious suspended lake. And if you still fancy a bit of mystery you can visit the Ishage Rock often described as a mysterious hanging rock with large ancient footprints believed by locals to be footprints of their Ancestors. You can also go on a tour of the Elephant Tree, a real tree trunk that is in form of an Elephant.

Because, you get the chance to visit the 60 feet historic Bower’s Tower, built in memory of Captain Lister Bower, who was the first British national to live in and explore Ibadan. From the top of the tower you can have a magnificent view of the city. Ibadan is also home to the national museum where you can learn more about the culture and history of Nigeria from its four sections, Unity Gallery, Yoruba Gallery, Masquerade Gallery, and Pottery Gallery.

Because you can take some time out to see the acclaimed Mapo Hall constructed in 1929 on top of Mapo hill. The hall was designed and constructed by Welsh engineer Robert Jones almost a century ago. The building was designed after St George’s Hall in Liverpool, United Kingdom. It has a small museum with artefacts of the colonial era and photos of previous rulers of Ibadan. You can equally indulge your artistic mind by going on an adventure to the Topfat art gallery. Here, you’ll discover contemporary artworks of Nigerian and West African artists. It’s also a good place to take that selfie while shopping souvenirs for loved ones.

Because in Ibadan the local cuisine is well known for its rich Yoruba history and culture. Mostly spicy, you can have a try of any of the delicious delicacies with the help of a guide. One of the popular dishes is Lafun with Ewedu soup. While Lafun is made from cassava flour, Ewedu is made from vegetables. Also popular are Snails prepared with pepper, tomatoes  and onions giving it a spicy taste. There’s a tour package for foodies to involve visiting the market to purchase the cooking items and watching whilst the meal is prepared before settling down to eat it. It also includes visiting another local restaurant to enjoy other native delicacies. Also, you will find other rich traditional cuisine in Ibadan city, like moin-moin and Eko, jollof rice among others, also eaten across Nigeria.