Discover the Heart of Western Nigeria: Ibadan

• HelloBawo ni
  [ba-woh nee]
• GoodbyeOdabo
  [oh-dah-boh]
• YesBe
  [beh]
• NoBee
  [bee]
• Please/You're welcomeKíndẹ́
  [keen-deh]
• Thank youẸ se
  [eh sheh]
• Excuse me/SorryẸ pẹ
  [eh-peh]
• How are you?Bawo lẹ wá?
  [ba-woh leh wah]
• Fine. And you?Dàárọ, èmi náà?
  [dah-ah-roh, eh-mee nah]
• Do you speak English?Sé ń sọ ede Gẹẹsì?
  [sheh in soh eh-deh geh-see]
• I don't understandKò ní rí
  [koh nee ree]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMò fẹ́ ránṣẹ́ mẹnu, dáadáa
  [mo feh ran-sheh meh-noo, dah-dah]
• I don't eat meatMò kìí gbé ẹran
  [mo kee gbeh eh-rah]
• Cheers!Ẹyin abẹ
  [eh-yin ah-beh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMò fẹ́ fúnra, dáadáa
  [mo feh foon-rah, dah-dah]

• Help!Ɔ tó
  [oh toh]
• Go away!Lọ sọrọ!
  [loh soh-roh]
• Call the Police!Wọọ fọọsì!
  [woh foh-shee]
• Call a doctor!Wọọ dọ́kítà!
  [woh doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMo lọ̀rí
  [mo loh-ree]
• I'm illMó ò ní lẹ́rò
  [moh oh nee leh-roh]

• I'd like to buy...Mò fẹ́ ní wọlé...
  [mo feh nee woh-leh]
• I'm just lookingMo ta ní ṣe
  [mo tah nee sheh]
• How much is it?Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni káàá
  [beh-eh nee kahh]
• That's too expensiveYẹ́ẹ̀kú tó wọlé
  [yeah-koo toh woh-leh]
• Can you lower the price?Sé O le kí àárò?
  [sheh oh leh kee ah-rah-woh]

• What time is it?Kí àkókò n wá?
  [kee ah-ko-ko en wah]
• It's one o'clockỌkan wá
  [oh-kahn wah]
• Half past (10)Méjì tí ọkan
  [meh-jee tee oh-kahn]
• MorningỌ̀rọ̀
  [oh-roh]
• AfternoonỌ̀sán
  [oh-sahn]
• EveningỌ̀ṣẹ̀
  [oh-sheh]
• YesterdayNí irọ
  [nee ee-roh]
• TodayNí yí
  [nee yee]
• TomorrowNí ọ̀la
  [nee oh-lah]
• 1Ọkan
  [oh-kahn]
• 2Meji
  [meh-jee]
• 3Mẹta
  [meh-tah]
• 4Mẹrin
  [meh-reen]
• 5Marun
  [mah-roon]
• 6Mefa
  [meh-fah]
• 7Mẹfà
  [meh-fah]
• 8Mẹfẹ
  [meh-feh]
• 9Mọkànlá
  [moh-kahn-lah]
• 10Mẹwàá
  [meh-wahh]

• Where's a/the...?Ṣé ń wọlé...
  [sheh in woh-leh]
• What's the address?Kíni àdírẹsì?
  [kee-nee ah-dee-reh-shee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Sé O le fún mi (lọ sí àkọsílẹ)?
  [sheh oh leh foon mee loh see ah-ko-see-leh]
• When's the next (bus)?Ní bẹ̀ẹ̀ n wá ìdá...
  [nee beh-eh en wah ee-dah]
• A ticket (to ....)Ìwe kọọda (lọ sí ....)
  [ee-weh kohh-dah loh see]

Ibadan was founded in 1829 as a war camp for warriors coming from different Yoruba communities. It quickly grew into a major center for trade and military strategy. The city's name, 'Eba Odan,' translates to 'by the edge of the meadow,' reflecting its geographic location.

Ibadan played a significant role during the Yoruba Wars in the 19th century. It became a refuge for displaced people and a powerhouse for military campaigns against neighboring kingdoms. The city’s warriors were instrumental in various battles, including the Kiriji War, which lasted from 1877 to 1893.

In 1893, Ibadan came under British control, marking the beginning of its colonial history. The British administration developed the city’s infrastructure, establishing schools, hospitals, and other public services. This period saw significant urban and social transformation.

In 1948, the University of Ibadan was established, originally as a college of the University of London. It became an independent university in 1962 and has since grown into one of Africa's premier educational institutions. The university has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields.

Ibadan played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to independence. In 1952, it became the capital of the Western Region, one of the country’s three regions before independence. The city was a hub for nationalist activities and political movements that eventually led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

In 1964, the Agodi Gardens Massacre occurred, a tragic event where a confrontation between the police and protesters led to the deaths of many. This event is remembered as a significant moment in the city’s history, reflecting the political tensions of the time.

Post-independence, Ibadan continued to grow economically and culturally. It became known for its vibrant markets, such as the Bodija Market, and its contributions to Nigerian literature and arts. The city is home to several cultural festivals and events that celebrate Yoruba traditions and modern Nigerian culture.

Ibadan is well-connected by road, air, and rail. The nearest international airport is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, approximately 130 kilometers away. From Lagos, you can take a domestic flight to Ibadan Airport, which is located about 20 minutes from the city center. Alternatively, you can travel by road; buses and taxis operate frequently between Lagos and Ibadan, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours. The Nigerian Railway Corporation also offers train services from Lagos to Ibadan, providing a scenic route.

Within Ibadan, you have several transportation options including taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and public buses known as 'danfos'. Motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) are also common for shorter trips. For a more local experience, try using the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system which connects various parts of the city. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions.

The official currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and in local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Foreign exchange services are also available at banks and dedicated exchange offices.

Ibadan is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas and be cautious when walking alone at night. Areas like Agbowo, Ojoo, and Beere have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of emergency, dial the national emergency number 112. For medical emergencies, University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan is a well-equipped medical facility. Police stations are scattered across the city, and it's advisable to know the location of the nearest one to your accommodation. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions, and it's courteous to follow their practices when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Public buses can be crowded and chaotic. Greetings: Do greet people warmly. A handshake with a smile is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Amala and Ewedu. Don’t refuse food if offered, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Ibadan like a local, visit the Agodi Gardens for a relaxing day out. Explore the bustling Dugbe Market for a variety of goods and local crafts. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and heritage. Don’t miss out on tasting local delicacies at popular spots like Mama Ope and Skye Longe. For a cultural experience, visit the University of Ibadan and the Cocoa House.