Oyo state is one of the southwestern states in Nigeria with Ibadan as its capital. The state boasts of a population of over five million inhabitants and is known as the pacesetter state. Oyo state is predominantly occupied by the Yoruba tribe and also consists of other ethnic groups.
Oyo State was formed on the 3rd of February, 1976. The capital, Ibadan, is recognized as the third most populous city in Africa with Lagos and Kano taking the lead.
The current governor is Engr. Seyi Makinde and the deputy governor are Engr. Rauf Olaniyan
Asides the brown roofs and the yummy dish called Abula which Oyo state is known for, here are other interesting facts about Oyo state that you should know:
Oyo state has renowned educational institutions.
The University of Ibadan (formerly known as College of the University of London) was founded in 1948 and considered the oldest degree-awarding institution in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The institution boasts of over 90 departments across 17 faculties and has churned out prominent and reputable individuals in the country.
Other noteworthy institutions in Oyo state includes Lead City University in Ibadan, Ajayi Crowther University established in Oyo, The Polytechnic of Ibadan, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology situated in Ogbomoso, and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology located in Igbo Ora.
Oyo state has the first skyscraper in West Africa.
The cocoa house in Ibadan is regarded as the first and oldest skyscraper in West Africa.
This monumental building towers at a magnificent 105 metres with 26 storeys on a wide expanse of the land area of over 1.5 hectares.
The building got its name from the source of funding used to finance its construction. Championed by the late Obafemi Awolowo, with the support of the Action Group, the project was brought to life with financial backing from cocoa exportation proceeds.
The building was completed in 1964 but wasn’t commissioned for use until the 30th of July, 1965. An unfortunate fire incident ravaged the building on the 9th of January, 1985, leaving a loss of lives and property in its wake.
The building underwent massive renovations and was reopened in 1992, which is still in use to date, housing offices for various firms.
Oyo state has fascinating tourist attractions, and they include
- Botanical garden in the University of Ibadan with a breathtaking array of plant for recreational and research purposes.
- The old Oyo national park which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
- The zoological garden in the University of Ibadan known for animals like Crocodiles, Snakes, Pigs, Ostrich, Alligators, Tortoise, Donkey, Peacock, Lions, Monkeys, Giraffes, Tortoise, Hyenas, etc.
- Cocoa House in Ibadan
- Agodi Garden located at the heart of Ibadan, Mapo hall in Ibadan
- The National Museum of Unity located in Dugbe.
- Galaxy television – the first television station to be privately registered in Nigeria
- Ventura mall in Samonda, Ibadan.
Oyo state has the first stadium in Nigeria.
The 25,000 seater stadium is located at ring road in Ibadan. Formerly known as Liberty Stadium to commemorate Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the same year it was established during the Obafemi Awolowo administration as the Premier.
In 2010, the stadium was renamed by the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, as “Obafemi Awolowo Stadium” which has hosted several sports activities till date.
With these interesting facts about Oyo state, we hope you take a trip to the ancient and legendary Oyo state someday.