KEY POINTS
- CCII President-General Ajeniyi Ajewole says Ibadan holds the capacity to become a leading economic force in Nigeria, with potential to drive youth employment and lift Oyo State’s internally generated revenue
- The 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival grand finale takes place April 18 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, with First City Monument Bank as headline sponsor
- CCII announced four honorees: SGF George Akume, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede, Oyo North Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University Vice-Chancellor Adesola Ajayi
The president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, says Ibadan has the capacity to emerge as a leading economic force in Nigeria. Ajewole made the declaration Wednesday at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, during a press conference ahead of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival grand finale.
“Ibadan possesses the capacity to emerge as a leading economic force in Nigeria as it is the South-West capital of Nigeria,” Ajewole said. “Harnessing its potential would create employment opportunities for youths and significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue.”
Festival to position Ibadan as a tourism destination
Beyond cultural celebration, Ajewole said the annual festival serves as a strategic platform to attract tourists and draw investment to the city. Additionally, the grand finale takes place Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Activities include a Jumat service, medical outreach, an Amala Day celebration, a youth conference, a beauty pageant, a business dinner and a Fuji talent show. First City Monument Bank serves as headline sponsor, accelerating what organizers see as Ibadan economic hub momentum.
CCII names four Nigerians for honors at the finale
The council also announced four honorees for the grand finale: Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede, Oyo North Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University Vice-Chancellor Adesola Ajayi.
Ajewole also said each has made a mark in public service and contributed to the progress of the ancient city. Meanwhile, Planning Committee Chairman Gbolagade Akere said the festival further advances the Ibadan economic hub agenda, positioning the city as a top destination for tourism and investment.
