Ibadan is Oyo state’s largest city and capital. The city of Ibadan has a total of 5 LGAs which include Ibadan North, Ibadan Northeast, Ibadan Northwest, Ibadan Southeast, and Ibadan Southwest. With a population of over 3 million inhabitants, Ibadan has the Yoruba tribe as its dominant ethnic group. Popular districts/areas in Ibadan include Adamasingba, Apata Ganga, New Bodija, Ring road, Iyaganku, Agbowo, Iwo road, Jericho, Oke Ado, and Olomi. Tertiary institutions in Ibadan include the Dominican University, the University of Ibadan, and the Emma Alayande College of Education. A number of hospitals are found in Ibadan and these include the Molly Specialist hospital, University College Hospital, Olives Hospitala and Maternity, Old Catholic hospital, Adeoyo state hospital, and Banbu specialist hospital.
Islam and Christianity are the most practiced religions with Yoruba language as the most commonly spoken language. Popular dishes served in the city of Ibadan include the Eko and Efo-riro, Ewedu usually served with Amala and Lafun enjoyed with Ewedu. Interesting places to visit in Ibadan town include the University of Ibadan, U.I Zoological gardens, Agodi gardens, Irefin Palace, Obafemi Awolowo sports stadium, Lekan Salami statdium, Ibadan City Mall, Ventura Mall, Cocoa house, the Mapo hall, and the Trans-wonderland Amusement park.
Ibadan has a total area measuring 3,080 km squared with an elevation of 230 metres. The city has 4 rivers which include ona, ogbere, Ogunpa and Kudeti. Average annual precipitation is 1500mm while humidity is 74.5 percent.
Ibadan also has a fair distribution of hills and other elevations which include the Oke Ibadan hill. There is also an extensive forest reserve in Ibadan city owned and managed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.
Ibadan is famed for its massive cultivation of cocoa. Other crops grown in the city include cassava, yam and rice. Trade also forms a major part of the Ibadan’s economic life with the town hosting several markets such as the Bodija market, Bola Ige international nmarket, Bembo market, Saasa market, Sabo market ,amd the Omi Adio market.
Ibadan city is also home to a large number of hotels, banks, industries, relaxation spots, as well as government and privately owned establishments.
Ibadan was founded in 1829 by Lagelu and was initially designed as a war camp for warriors coming from Ife, Ijebu and Oyo. Ibadan was also the centre of administration of the old western region.
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