the sprawling capital city of Oyo state in southwest Nigeria.

Pronounced as “E-baa-dawn” it is located in the West of Africa within the boarders of Nigeria. Ibadan is the capital of the Nigeria state of Oyo, located West of Nigeria.

History has it that it was created in 1829 as a war camp for warriors coming from Oyo, Ife and Ijebu (all places within the western part of Nigeria).

It is also called “Ìlú Ẹ̀bá-Ọ̀dàn” ( pronounced as “e-loo-hair- bar- or-dawn). It is a city built on seven hills which gives it a traditional feel. It is also known as the “City of Red Roofs” because of its outlook. A decent view of the red rusted roofs can be viewed from atop the ever tall Cocoa mall building situated in the central area of Dugbe and reputed to once being the tallest building in West Africa.

Ìlú Ẹ̀bá-Ọ̀dàn is home to the Yoruba speaking part of Nigeria. Its culture includes its language which is Yoruba, its mode of dressing which is, traditional wrapper and blouse and head gear (iro, buba and gele) for the ladies. For the men, traditional trouser with dansiki (Dan- see- key) and cap (fila).

The common food eaten in Ibadan is Amala which is made out of yam and/or cassava

flour. It is often accompanied with the all time favourite soup, “ewedu” which is made from jute leaves , also known as ayoyo or saluyot leaves (corchorus olitorius). This meal is eaten with assorted meat or goat meat.

The people of Ibadan are extremely accommodating and are known for their festivals which include the masquerade festival (Egungun festival)…

A beautiful name for this city is Akinyele (Ah- Keen-yell-a) which is loosely translated as “Bravery fits this place”. This is because in time past, warriors arose from the city to defend and protect the citizens and the heritage of the great city.

Ibadan: The beautiful red roofed city

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