When Planning А Trip to Ibadan, You Should Take Into Considerations Such Issues As Climate

VisitIbadan – A2Z

There is so much more on offer in Ibadanland than you may realise. Discover the range of amazing experiences, sights, smells and sounds available across Ibadanland. Although we constantly works on checking and updating VisitIbadan information, we invite our readers to personally double check all information before departure.

Airport

Ibadan Airport

Ibadan Airport is an airport serving domestic carriers only.

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Trans-Wonderland amusement park

Trans-Wonderland amusement park, Bodija park is more elaborate than a simple city park or playground, and provides attractions that both cater specifically to certain age groups, as well as some that are aimed towards all ages. Location: Direction and Map: Opening Hours: Opening Period of the Year: Entrance Fees: Booking: Guidance Brochure: Contact Details:

Fun Factory http://www.funfactoryng.com/about.html

Fun Factory in Oshuntokun, Old Bodija, Ibadan, is a small privately managed neighbourhood park and playground but serve as the best model for amusement parks and children's playground in Ibadan. Funfactory facilities include toys, games, bouncy castles, train rides, carousels, swimming pools and so many other creative and interactive games for children between the ages of 1 to 10. Funfactory is neatly laid out on over 3000 sq metres of colourful Astroturf grass, providing ambience, safety and excitement at the same time. Funfactory specialise in fun for children. Funfactory confidently boast of understanding children’s’ recreational and educational needs. Funfactory have various clubs for the kids; basketball club, swimming club, arts & craft club, etc. Funfactory encourage family memberships in a bid to encourage parents to spend more time with their loved ones. Funfactory is open for children's parties, group outings, civic and corporate events, and also for special events like birthdays, family reunions, etc. Funfactory encourage parents not only to ‘drop’ their kids, but also to stay with them, have fun with them and form closer bonds with their children. The parents are not left out in the fun as Funfactory have interactive games to occupy parents as well. Lots of toys, snacks, drinks and food are also available for sale on the premises.

15/17 Oshuntokun Avenue, Ibadan, Oyo State. E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 08054090764, 08054090768 Cultural Art Centre

Oyo State Cultural Centre – Ibadan

The Oyo State Cultural Centre, situated at Mokola Hill, lbadan is managed by a body known as the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture established with edict No. 14 of 1977. The Board formulates guidelines for the Centre with regard to the State’s Cultural and Arts collections, documentation and preservation. The centre caters for visual arts, theatre management, field research and documentation.

Facilities available for use at the Centre comprise the followings: (a) The main theatre, a multi-purpose auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,300 with 800 standing. (b) Music Rehearsal Hall, with a seating capacity of 500, which also caters for wedding receptions, seminars, symposia, meetings etc. (c) Cinema Hall, with a seating capacity of 250. (d) A large parking space that can accommodate 500 cars. (e) A spacious foyer for permanent and temporary exhibitions, Open Theatre Stage could be set up on the two available open spaces for drama. (f) A modem hair-dressing saloon for both traditional and modem styles. (g) A craft-shop and (h) A modem Photographic Studio for all photographic needs.

Also available at the Centre are such Programmes as Children Ensemble, Craft Village, the replication of an ancient palace within the Centre complex, Children’s Museum etc.

The cultural centre is one of the best places to learn about the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people because the place is full of historical values that are very important in the history of the Yorubas.

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Botanical Garden – UI, Agodi, Ibadan

This is a lovely park right in the midst of Ibadan. Agodi Gardens spread over 13 acres of land. This delightful spot shares the same locality with the posh Premier Hotel, Cultural Centre, University College Teaching Hospital, Government Secretariat, and Bodija Housing Estate.

Among the attractions are a nursery of varieties of plants, seedlings and a variety of animals such as tigers, lions, baboons and monkeys. This garden is a fine example of multiple land use for forestry, entertainment, and recreation, its nursery, arboretum, park and Zoo blend into one another to make the garden unique. A visit to this garden is worth- while.

The botanical garden houses various species of plants which are grown to give a serene environment. The garden is used for picnics, retreats, relaxation and research purposes.

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Shooting Stars FC

Shooting Stars FC – a professional Football Club.

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Ibadan Golf Club

One of the best known relaxation resorts in Ibadan, the Ibadan Golf Club, is equipped with modern facilities and it hosts a range of fixtures. Ibadan Golf Club started as a part of the Ibadan Recreation Club but diversified in 1990 as a private golf club for registered members. It was established to encourage tourism and sport. The club operates a 24hour Policy for its 750 members while non-members are charged specified fees for designated periods. The Ibadan Golf Club organises periodic tournaments attracting the “who is who” in the society, squaring it out on the 5,534-metre 18-hole. The sporting activities of the club are complemented by a billiard section, cool room, bar, restaurant and kit shop.

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IITA Golf Club Government Offices

Secretariat

Ibadan had been the centre of administration of the old Western Region since the days of the British colonial rule and currently the capital if Oyo State and the administrative centre for the Oyo State Government are at the Secretariat in Ibadan. The Oyo State Secretariat is the official office of the State Executive Council, State House of Assembly and State’s Judiciary where you find the Governor, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and Permanent Secretaries for the State Executive Council; Office of the Speaker, House Leader, Chief Whip and the House Committee Chairman for the State House of Assembly.

Oyo State Government Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria 5129, Secretariat P.O.B, Ibadan Location: Direction and Map: Opening Hours: Opening Period of the Year: Entrance Fees: Booking: Guidance Brochure: Contact Details: Governor’s House

Governor’s Official Residence

Governor’s House, Agodi

Government Reservation Areas – GRA

Government Reservation Areas (GRAs) – Jericho, Iyaganku, Challenge

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The city is centrally located in the south-west part of the country on a rippling plain with ridges of about eight rocky hills namely, Oke-Badan, Oke-Aare, Oke-Mapo, Awotan , Mokola, Kakanfo, Oke-Padi, etc. The average elevation of these hills is about 700 ft. To fully appreciate how uneven the city is, a visit to the Premier Hotel, which is situated on top of a hill, is a must.

Oke-badan

Oke Ibadan Hill is as old as Ibadan Land. Its historical significance cannot be underestimated in the development of Ibadan. Oke Ibadan is a prodigious rock formation which housed the deity that protected Ibadan people during internecine war. The titular hill goddess of Ibadan is Oke-badan beside the Eleyele Reservoir at the city’s western outskirt in Ido Local Government Areas. There are other two hills at Awotan along Akufo Road on one of which Lagelu, the legendary founder of Ibadan was buried. The third one was also significant with the two spots where it was alleged that the masquerades who invaded Lagelu’s hide out got buried alive. Every year sacrifices are offered in an ancient shrine situated on the upper reaches of that hill by “Aboke” during the celebration of “Oke- badan” Festival. The hill is still revered among Ibadan indigenes and regarded as a symbol of unity and protection to the natives of Ibadan at home and in Diaspora.

Oke Aàre (Aare’s Hill)

This hill as situated west of the Bower Memorial Tower and looks great when viewed from Bower Memorial Tower.

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Mapo Hall

Mapo hall was built as the main administrative civic centre during the colonial days on a Piece of land measuring 5,969 acres surrounded by road. The foundation was laid July 14th 1925, ten days after the installation of Baale Oyewole (Foko). The monumental edifice has been rehabilitated and managed by Ibadan Local Governments Property Company Limited.

Mapo Hall was the first Town hall in the city, it is an unmissable colonial edifice located at the geographical centre of Ibadan, right beside Bere Market. The building, which was just recently refurbished, is a home to the courts and visitors will be taken aback by the outstanding pillars and the general structure.

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University College Hospital (UCH)

Hospitals mean different things to different people. In Nigeria, the name of the major tertiary hospital in a region often has a connotation of evil because it seems to everyone only worst-case patients at secondary health centres are referred there. In Ibadan and environs, the name of the University College Hospital (UCH), Nigeria's first teaching hospital built 1953-57, is almost a synonym for hard luck among ordinary folk.

Hostels

Obafemi Awolowo Hall (UI)

Obafemi Awolowo Hall (UI) – is the tallest and largest hostel in west Africa. This Hall is located at off Barth Road of the University. It is a post graduate and undergraduate hall of residence. It was opened in 1968 and named after the first Prime Minister of Nigeria. The Hall has a capacity of One Thousand Hundred (1500) bed space for students.

Hall Master: Professor J.S.A. Osho Hall Warden: Dr. E.K. Ajani Department: Wildlife & Fisheries Management Area of Specialization: Plant/Weed Ecology Email: [email protected] Telephone: +234

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Hotels

Ibadan’s hospitality industry is well developed as there some five star hotels such as Premier Hotel, Davies Hotel, D'Rovers Hotel, and Kakanfo Inn.

Premier Hotel: This hotel is located on top of a hill in Mokola where visitors can have an overview of the city from even the ground floor. It offers superb accommodation and excellent services with recreation facilities, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, car park, internet access etc. Address: Mokola Hill, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2012345, 080123456789.

Davies Hotels: Aside from the great customer service that the hotel provides, one of the best things that the hotel has to offer is its location. The hotel is located in the centre of Ibadan, which makes everything easily accessible from the hotel. Most things are within easy walking distance, but the airport is only a 20-minute car ride away. The hotel restaurant serves traditional Nigerian cuisines and international dishes. Contact: 7/8 Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-751-1977, 02 872 1035.

Kakanfo Inn: Kakanfo Inn is conveniently perched on a hill about 10km to the Ibadan- Lagos express road toll gate and 30 minutes drive from the Ibadan Airport. It offers 14 suites, 68 spacious rooms; all rooms are furnished with refrigerator, telephone, satellite TV, standby power generators, laundry facilities, outdoor swimming pool, gym, 24 hour room service, internet, car park etc. Address: 1 Nihinlola Street, Off Joyce B Road, Off Tantalizer Mobil Bus Stop, M.K.O. Abiola Way, (Ring Road), Ibadan. Tel: +234-2-2311471-3, 2-7518000-1, 807-73590898 Fax: +234-2-2318909.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): The institute has well-equipped rooms as well as a selection of self-contained one-and-two-bed flats with their own kitchen. Contact: Oyo Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-241 2626.

Lafia Hotel: Lafia Hotel, located on wide expanse of land on Apata Road Ibadan was established in 1947. The environment is simply a place for leisure and relaxation with an inviting array of facilities for social functions. Address: Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2012345, 080123456789.

Super K Hotel: Super K Hotel provides breakfast for guest in the morning at the bar that located in the basement. The bar provides a quiet atmosphere for people to relax after a long day in the hot sun. It has a good swimming pool, gym, telephone, satellite TV etc. Address: 1, Morgan Street, Oni & Sons Hospital, Off Ring Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234- 08056047922.08056047928.

Koltol Hotel: Situated in the heart of Ibadan and very close to the Oyo State secretariat, the 45-room hotel has a homey feel. It has a restaurant that serves the local and continental dishes with an outdoor bar for drinks. Contact: Ikolaba Area, Along Officers’ Mess Rd, GRA, Agodi, Ibadan. Tel: +234 (0) 805 409 7556. D Rovans Hotel: Their experience has created a tradition of hospitality that is evident in everything they do at their restaurant. The hotel has a bar, conference hall, gym, swimming pool with sit out bar, internet access etc. The hotel restaurant serves local and continental dishes. Contact: Chief Francis Aiyegbeni Close, Ring Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2 2318506 – 8 Fax: +234 2 2318508

Greensprings Hotel: New generation hotel accommodation in the historic city of Ibadan with its enjoyable climate and history. The hotel is nestled in the beautiful flat land of the city, quiet and tranquil. It has exquisitely furnished rooms with swimming pool, garden bar and restaurant, indoor and outdoor catering services etc. Contact: Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Tel: +234 8025342000, 08038308010

De Executive Suites: De Executive Suites is all about the warmth of the welcome that will always be the same; the hospitality that makes their visitors want to come want to come back again to stay at De Executive Suites; the pleasures and comforts you enjoy while you are in their hotel. Contact: 1 Oba Akenzua Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2- 7508128 Fax: +234-2-8100268

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Institutes

There are many institutes in Ibadan visited by tourists. These are Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) was established as Federal Department of Forestry Research in 1954. The Institute’s Decree 35 of 1973 and other establishing Research Institute of 1977 changed the status of the Department to an institute being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Environment. It has mandates to conduct research into all aspects of Forestry, Wildlife Management, Agro-forestry and Forest Products Utilization. Furthermore, through its colleges it has the mandate to train technical and sub- technical personnel for the forestry services and other agro allied services in the country. The mandates of the Institute cover the entire country being the only such organization in the country. To realize its mandates, FRIN has four large specialized research departments with each having various specialized sections, and three support staff departments; six outstations and four HND/OND awarding Colleges.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): Located just a short journey north of the city. The institute is not only a research site, but also a huge leisure estate popularly known as the birdwatchers’ paradise for its numerous species of tropical birds. Thickest of climbers grow in openings where the secondary nature of the forest is most apparent, with clumps of bamboo Bambusa vulgarise etc. The forest is a good place for bird-watching because it has numerous species of tropical birds. The forest reserve, which is a mature lowland rainforest with scattered emergent also, has sporting facilities such a 9- hole golf course, football pitch, badminton court, lawn tennis court, table tennis and a swimming pool within the institute. The institute has well-equipped rooms as well as a selection of self-contained one-and-two-bed flats with their own kitchen. Contact: Oyo Road, Ibadan. Tel: +234 2-241 2626.

Markets Markets

Probably the most interesting place in the city for shopping is the local market. People from all around the city and villages around are bringing their goods to sell. Probably а tourist will see some kind of fruits and vegetables far the first time in their life. The local clothes are sold everywhere around and usually handmade jewellery is easy to find for really reasonable prices. Beware of pocket thieves and sometimes after the rain this market can be quite muddy. On Sunday sellers go but on the streets and all of these things can be found all away to the main square. Lately shopping on the square is seen every day.

Dugbe market was laid out into 14 commercial plots by the defunct Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) and allocated to various Banks and Corporate Bodies in 1991. The small market behind the Union Bank was demolished and turned to the Union Bank car park. The land at the Nigerian Railway station is also wearing a new look with imposing shopping complex. This is to show that Ibadan City’s Central Business District is constantly enjoying renewal. Since 1901 when the railway line reached Ibadan from Lagos Iddo Gate, Ekotedo and Lebanon area of Old Gbagi had grown into commercial with the heavy presence of European Traders. By 1905, Dugbe had become a notorious shim. Dugbe was burnt down in 1917 and was laid out small commercial plots Gbagi Commercial Area was acquired in 1919 and laid out into commercial plots. Thus the Districts played host to branches of several multinationals, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with a new skyscraper incorporated into the complex, Cocoa House, the GBO/MDS, Commercial Banks, entrepreneurs, furniture companies, construction as well as service companies, is also a trading hub serving the entire South-Western Region. There is also an imposing edifice, the Broken House (Glass House) build by Femi Johnson and housing many offices. In recent time, the Odua Investment Limited has added Heritage Mall and Cocoa Mall. It is not just to change the face of Dugbe CDD but also to rejuvenate commercial activities in the district. The Heritage Mall will have Banking halls, branded restaurants, children play area, departmental stores and two ultra-modern cinemas. It would also provide food court, specialized retail shops, fitness gym and provide parking space for 200 cars. The mall is coming exactly 52 years after the foundation of Cocoa House which was laid in the same compound by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and completed in 1965 by Chief Ladoke Akintola.

Monuments Bower’s Tower

The Bower’s Tower was built to immortalize captain Robert Lister Bower, the first British Resident to be posted to Ibadan from Lagos in 1893. He was also the travelling Commissioner of the interior of Yorubaland. By 1897, Bower had succeeded in laying the political foundation of colonial rule in Ibadan. Captain Bower’s rule witnessed the provision of basic and fundamental freedoms. It also ushered in an era of relative peace as well as progress in education. Ibadan people gave him the appellation “Oninure Idi Ogungun to wipe ki eru wa di omo” (the kind hearted man under Ogungun tree in Ibadan whose concern was always that peasant should live a meaningful life). The monumental project was executed by the then Ibadan Native Authority which was unveiled on Tuesday 15 December, 1936 as a result of his effort at effectively checking the anti-social behaviours such as kidnapping, human sacrifice and inter-community strife then common in the fast growing city of lbadan. The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation spent a sum of twenty million naira (N20 million) towards the resuscitation of the monument, after which it was expected to be contracted out to private individuals and corporate bodice to manage. The buildings are now dilapidated and vandalized while the entire site is ever-grown with weeds. Visible from all over the city, Bower memorial Tower, with distinctive architecture, is the highest point in Ibadan where tourists flock to enjoy an aesthetic view of all neighbouring areas. From the top of this landmark you can have a panaromic view of Ibadan.

Museum

Museum of Ibadan The National Museum of Unity, Dugbe: Museum of Ibadan is one of the most important of Ibadan sights for а visitor who is keen to see prehistoric carvings in bronze and other statues. This is situated in the building of Institute of African Studies. There are many prehistoric statues and bronze carvings. This is a museum which have sample of traditional musical instruments used by different tribes in Nigeria on display. Within the vicinity of the museum are a garden and a kitchen restaurant. The car used by the last Premier of Western Region, Late Chief Ladoke Akintola is displayed in the museum.

Palaces

Olubadan: Palace of the Olubadan built opposite one of the main city markets at Oja'ba, is another place frequently visited by the tourists.

Irefin Palace, Ibadan: This ancient palace was constructed over 200 years ago. The palace is one of the surviving palaces in Ibadan that was constructed in the traditional way of using mud and it has about one hundred and eighty five rooms.

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Parks and Gardens Inside the Ibadan University, there is а Zoological Garden which attracts а horde of visitors regularly. There is а botanical garden called Agodi Gardens, which also is а tourist attraction. IITA and Trans Amusement Park is another park in Ibadan. A third of the IITA campus consists of unspoiled tropical forest, a natural preserve for birds and other fauna. A lake about 3 km long, developed to provide irrigation water, attracts hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. The lake has been spawned with various fish species and is a lodestone for anglers. Guides are available for visitors wishing to take a tour of the forest, try their luck at angling in the lake, or watching for rare migrating birds.

Railway Station

Nigerian Railway System actually commenced rail business activities with the construction of the first rail line from Lagos to Ibadan (193km) between 1898 and 1901. Ibadan, Dugbe Terminus is one of the seven autonomous districts for administrative conveniences, representing the Western district. It comprises a clock tower, located near the railway station in the centre of the city of Ibadan. The names of the dead are recorded on bronze tablets, one of which bears the inscription: "IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS, BRITISH N.C. OFFICERS, NATIVE N.C.O.s AND MEN OF THE 4TH BN. NIGERIA REGT. WHO FELL IN THE CAMEROON CAMPAIGN 1914-1916 AND THE EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN 1916-1918."

Recreation Clubs Recreation Clubs

Ibadan Recreation Club established in 1902 as the European Club, the Ibadan Recreation club has grown over the years from an exclusive club to a frontline relaxation resort for all comers. The change of name to Ibadan Recreation Club was influenced by the admission of Chief Anthony Enahoro, then information Minister for the Western Region and influx of more Nigerians to the club, which provided the ideal relaxation atmosphere for civil servants after a long day at work. The club is replete with facilities for different sports including Table Tennis, squash, darts, badminton, Billiards & Snookers, Tennis, Aerobics classes and Swimming and it remains the first cosmopolitan recreation club in Africa.

Game World, Dugbe, Ibadan: Game world is a recreational centre where different indoor games such as snookers, table tennis, play station, dart and others are played. There is also a conference centre, minibar and restaurant.

Reservoir

Eleyele Reservoir Eleyele river depicts in a national manner, the beautiful scenery of the place. The presence of the river with its attractive bank assets to the fact that, the possibility of making the place a tourist site is indisputable fishing activities can be organized in Eleyele river. Sporting activities can also be embarked upon annually at Eleyele river. The Eleyele Dam is the source of drinking water for the parts of the city of Ibadan the Water Corporation of Oyo State's water pipe lines serves, and this is a dwindling section of the city whose growth has outpaced WCOS's extension of its water pipelines. Besides being a major source of water and a fisheries resource for the city.

Restaurant Restaurant All fast food outlets are located in the metropolis around Challenge, Iwo Road, Ring Road, Mokola roundabout, Bodija, Agbowo (opposite the University of Ibadan), Sango (Polytechnic Road) and Dugbe (Bank Road) are their major locations at the moment.

Cocoa Dome - If can get to cocoa house you are at cocoa dome restaurant. Fortune Chinese Restaurant - Coming from Lagos, exit the expressway (first exit) make а left onto MKO Abiola Rd/Ring Road. Stay straight for аbоut 5km until you get to а T- junction. Make а right turn and stay straight, go pass cocoa house and stay straight till you get to Onireke and then make а left go straight for аbоut 1.5km and it would be on your left. Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant: One of the top Chinese restaurants in town serving Singapore fried noodles, noodles with shrimps, ham and chicken and a tasty green pepper beef dish. They also serve a large choice of drinks! Address: Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan. Tel: +234 805 122 2640 Kokodome Restaurant: Rated one of the best restaurants in the city where the restaurant and bar surrounds a swimming pool. It has half a dozen billiard tables and attracts a large number of clients. It serves both Nigerian cuisine and continental dishes. At Oron Museum serves light local dishes such as Isi-Ewu, pepper soup and fresh pal wine. It offers a complete taste of Akwa Ibom! Address: Cocoa House, Dugbe Area, Ibadan. Tel: +234 (0)2 751 0918 Tantalizers’ outlets: This is top brand fast-food outlets that are all over the country. Their outlets serve continental and local delicacies, and often have separate sections for them. Address: Almost everywhere in the city Tel: +234 N/A Mr Bigg’s: This is another popular fast food chain with outlets across the state as well as the country serving pastries, snacks, burgers and hot meals to families, teenagers, and corporate customers for nearly twenty five years Contact: Check out their website for outlet details. Mama Ope: This is the home of traditional Nigerian cuisine which includes rice and stew, soup and pounded yam, beans and plantain, pepper soup etc. It’s a popular spot amongst the locals and it only serves soft drinks and juices. Address: Gemdewon Road, Along Sabo Rd, Mokola, Ibadan. Tel: +234 806969 6141. Open: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat

Fast food restaurants in Ibadan serve both foreign and local cuisines. Tantalizers’ outlets in Ibadan serve foreign (‘Continental’) and local (‘Africana’) delicacies, and often have separate sections for them. Although Mr. Bigg’s does not have an elaborate local cuisine section like Tantalizers, it sells yam porridge (Asaro), fried plantain and cooked beans (dodo ati ewa sise).

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ELUKU ROCK FORMATION AT OLUYOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT Eluku Rock Formation is a large expanse of land which stretches about 15 kilometres. It was discovered that, there was a possibility of a river on the mountain in the ancient time because the basement attested to it. Archaeological findings may be carried out at this site. Religious devotees were on this mountain. There is a stream inside the mountain. It was gathered that the water which flow from a cave on top of the mountain is curative and has healing power.

Ojutaiye Rock near Mamu – Mamu town is on Ijebuland in Ogun state while Ojutaiye Rock is on Ibadanland in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo state. Ojutaiye Rock was so named by the local hunters who were man dated to keep vigil on the Ijebus at Mamu and the Egbas at Ogunmakin where “Fejebaju's war was fought between the Egbas and Ibadan. Therefore, Ojutaiye Rock served as the vantage point from where Ibadan warriors monitored their enemies, as well as a strategic point for launching a counter attack against the invading forces during the Yoruba civil wars in the 19th century. On the summit of the rock, the tourist can have a clear view of the surrounding towns of Mamu, Onigambari Forest Reserves, Ogunmakin and part of Ibadan. There are interesting features which could be developed into an auditorium, a gallery of art and gardens for recreation as recorded by BCOS programme “Gbangbadekun” which featured some hunters and their leader “Ode-Ilu-Ibadan” on 9th June, 2012.

AGBELE ROCK FORMATION Agbele Rock Formation is a living symbol of Oyo State tourism Board. It depicts a picture of a woman that carries a tuber of yam and a baby at her back. It is a wonderful cultural and historical site. Its historical significance is rooted in oral traditional history of gbeti people.

Shopping Centres/Malls

Shopping Centres/Malls Shopping in Ibadan will probably be exquisite experience. With shops all around the city, this place is absolute heaven for shoppers. Ibadan shopping will take you the whole day and maybe even more. Ibadan is middle-size city in Nigeria, located 100 km from the commercial capital of Lagos and is really an interesting place for the tourists. When people get tired or exploring local sights one can always head to the shopping area and enjoy their day.

Agbowo Shopping Complex This shopping centre is located in the city centre, just few blocks from the main square. Tourists can find here a number of world class shops, restaurants and an amusement hall. This shopping mall was opened in 1999 and it looks like every big shopping centre in the world. There is famous little store with local jewellery inside on the first floor so if the tourists are not up for mud market they can just come here and they will find almost the same things, but the prices are slightly higher. Address: Agbowo Shopping Complex, Opposite University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Elisabeth II Road and Ogunmola Street Tourists will probably need hours to visit all the small shops around these two streets. There are high fashion designer’s stores around and some local stores. This mixture will probably be very interesting to the tourists and these streets are really nice to walk with the palm trees and small sculptures around. Walking and shopping in these streets is relaxing and tourists will probably find themselves chatting with smiley sellers and buying the things they don’t need. At the end of Ogunmola Street you will find the Old Quarter where tourists will probably be dragged in by sellers but they are never in danger. Again beware of pickpockets.

Others Iyaganku Mall, Heritage Mall and Cocoa Mall.

Skyscrapers

Cocoa House, Ibadan This is а prominent landmark, as it was the first skyscraper ever to be built in Africa and it was constructed from the proceeds of cocoa sold for export. This is situated in the centre of Ibadan’s business area.

Stadiums

Stadium

Liberty Stadium, Ibadan renamed in 2010 as Obafemi Awolowo Stadium is a historic 25,000 seat football stadium based in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. The stadium was opened in 1960 during the tenure of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the Premier of the Western Region. It was the first stadium to be built in Africa. In 1999, the Liberty Stadium was selected amongst eight other stadiums in Nigeria to host the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. The Stadium hosted all of the Group C matches, one of the Round of 16 matches, and one of the Quarter-final matches. On November 12, 2010, the stadium was renamed as the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.

Statutes

Statutes Obelisks are cultural and aesthetic elements of some Yoruba cities, particularly Ife, Ijebu, Ilesa, Shagamu and Abeokuta. There is “Oranyan” staff we do not have such obelisks except statues erected in memory of Ibadan war heroes and founders of the present Ibadan (the third Ibadan) such as Basorun Oluyole, Balogun Oderinlo, and Basorun Ogunmola. Iyalode Rukayat’s statue (not Efunsetan) is at Orita Challenge, Ibadan.

Television Station

Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Agodi, Ibadan: Built in 1959 by late Obafemi Awolowo, this television station used to be known as WNTV before it changed to NTA Ibadan. It is the oldest television station in the whole continent of Africa and it serves as a museum in journalism as it still houses the old black and white television and the studio cameras used in the 60s. It is an ideal place to learn more about journalism in Nigeria.

Universities

University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan: The first premier university of Nigeria founded in 1948 and is located five miles from the centre of the major city of Ibadan in Western Nigeria. This is one of the leading educational institutions in Africa and is still waxing stronger in academic excellence. The University was then established as College of the University of London until it was converted into an autonomous university in 1962. The beautiful campus has several places of interest: The Tower Court, Zoological garden, Botanical garden and an ultra-modern guest house. The other University is Lead City University, Ibadan, The Polytechnic, Ibadan is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.

Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan: Founded in 1948, the Zoological Garden still remains one of the leading zoological garden in Nigeria. It has a wide variety of wild animals such as gorilla, lions, chimpanzees, crocodiles, baboons, snakes, derby eland, ostriches, emus, white storks, hooded vulture, Mona monkeys, drill monkeys, horses, donkeys etc.

When planning а trip to Ibadan, you should take into considerations such issues as climate, festivals and public holidays. The fourth largest city in Nigeria, Ibadan is also the capital of the Oyo State and serves as а transit hub between other areas in Nigeria.

Climatic Considerations

Ibadan has а tropical savannah climate and there is а minimal temperature range in the region throughout the year. Characteristic of this climate is average monthly temperatures that are above 18 C. The wet season begins in March and ends in October with less rainfall in August. Site seeing may be difficult during the wet season as rain hinders outdoor activities. Activities such as Dugbe Market and the botanical gardens are difficult to visit during rainy weather. One activity option is Transwonderland Amusement Park.

From November until February Ibadan experiences the Harmattan, а strong wind that blows through West Africa. Аs it crosses the Sahara Desert it picks up dust and pushes it across Western Africa. When it is blowing particularly hard it can carry particles all the way to North America. The Harmattan can decrease visibility and the sun may be shaded by all the dust particles. This impacts travel conditions causing flight delays. The combination of monsoons and the Harmattan wind can result in tornadoes. The wind is, however, cool and lowers the temperature of the region. Local people call this wind "The Doctor".

Transport

The effect of weather conditions on transport also influences the decision of when to visit Ibadan. Roads are not in gооd condition and this can cause problems especially during rainy season. Be aware of potholes. The roads post no warnings of dangerous curves and other obstacles making driving with limited visibility problematic. During rainy season transportation methods such as taxis and rental cars serve as better methods of transportation as going on foot or using а scooter can be difficult in the rain.

Public Holidays and Festivals

Public holidays fall on the January 1, which is New Year and May 1. Assumption Day falls on 15 August. November 1 and December 25 are also public holidays. The New Yam festival is an age-old fete that honours the gods to ensure а gооd harvest. The festival is а vibrant and colourful affair with masquerades and sporting events. This is also а gооd time to watch traditional dances and wrestling competitions. This festival is in August. Map of Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, Nigeria.