The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ajeniyi Ajewole, has declared that Ibadan has the capacity to evolve into a major economic powerhouse in Nigeria if its vast potential is properly harnessed.
Ajewole made the assertion during a press conference held at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, to announce activities marking the grand finale of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
According to him, unlocking the city’s economic strengths would not only create employment opportunities for youths but also significantly increase internally generated revenue for Oyo State.
He explained that the annual festival goes beyond cultural celebrations, serving as a unifying platform for indigenes and residents while positioning the ancient city as a destination for tourism and investment.
As part of the grand finale, Ajewole revealed that four distinguished Nigerians have been shortlisted for honours. They include George Akume, Ishaq Oloyede, Abdulfatai Buhari, and Adesola Ajayi.
Ajewole noted that the awardees were carefully selected based on their contributions to national development and their impact on the growth of Ibadan through various endeavours.
Highlighting the broader significance of the festival, he said the event is strategically designed to celebrate Ibadan’s rich heritage while showcasing its economic potential to the world.
“Ibadan has what it takes to become a leading economic force in Nigeria. Harnessing these opportunities will create jobs and boost revenue for the state,” he said.
He added that the festival also reconnects Ibadan indigenes in the diaspora with their roots, encouraging them to contribute to the city’s development.
“Our aim is to celebrate our past heroes. Ibadan was founded by warriors, and we continue to showcase their legacies annually,” he stated.
Ajewole further emphasised that the festival stimulates local economic activities, including trade, arts and crafts, and tourism-related businesses, all contributing to grassroots development.
The festival committee outlined a lineup of activities leading up to the grand finale scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.
Events include a Jumat service, medical outreach with distribution of palliatives, Amala Day, church thanksgiving, education and talent hunt programmes, a youth conference, stage play, beauty pageant, business dinner, Ibadan conference, and a march past.
A major highlight of the celebration is the Ibadan Loni Fuji talent show, aimed at promoting local music talents and providing a platform for emerging artists.
The grand finale will feature a parade of affiliate clubs, awards for outstanding groups, and musical performances by artists serving as brand ambassadors for the festival.
Ajewole also disclosed that the Oluyode family would receive special recognition as one of the founding warrior lineages of Ibadan.
He added that this year’s edition has attracted increased corporate participation, with First City Monument Bank serving as the headline sponsor.
In his remarks, the Planning Committee Chairman, Gbolagade Akere, expressed confidence that the festival would not only preserve the city’s cultural heritage but also position Ibadan as a top destination for tourism and investment in Nigeria.
He commended supporters of the festival and called on more individuals and organisations to contribute to the development of Ibadanland through active participation in the annual celebration.
