The ancient city of Ibadan is set to come alive with colours, culture, and celebration as the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival kicks off from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 17, 2025.
The 10-day event will showcase the richness of Ibadan’s heritage through a line-up of activities spanning sports, traditional games, music, religion, education, and youth empowerment.
According to the organizers, the festival will begin on Thursday, May 8, with the finals of Ayo Olopon and Table Tennis at the Olubadan Palace from 11:00 am to 12 noon, followed by a homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
On Friday, May 9, the city will host a medical outreach and distribution of palliatives from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, while a Jummat Service will hold by 1:30 pm. The congregation will take off from Ibadan House by 1:00 pm.
Saturday, May 10 has been declared Amala Day, with celebrations taking place at Ibadan House from 10:00 am. Attendees will enjoy the city’s most famous dish alongside cultural exhibitions.
Sunday, May 11 will feature a Christian thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, starting at 10:00 am. Departure from Ibadan House is scheduled for 9:00 am.
On Monday, May 12, the spotlight will be on the Education Program Final and Talent Hunt, taking place at Ibadan House from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, May 13 is Youth Day, marked by a youth-focused event at Ibadan House from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. A stage play titled “Osuntoki” will follow at the Wole Soyinka Theatre Hall, University of Ibadan, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The festival’s sports final will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at Ilaji Resorts and Suites football field in Akanran, starting at 10:00 am. Take-off time from Ibadan House is 9:00 am.
On Thursday, May 15, two major events are lined up: the Oreke/Brain Beauty Pageant at Aweni Hall, Oke Ado, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and a Business Dinner at the Civic Centre, Idi Ape, from 5:00 pm.
The penultimate day, Friday, May 16, will feature the prestigious Ibadan Conference at Ibadan House, beginning at 10:00 am.
The festival will culminate in a grand finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, on Saturday, May 17, starting at 10:00 am.
The 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival promises to be a powerful celebration of tradition, community, and modern aspirations.
