Ghanaian traveller Efya Kimora explores Ibadan, praises Nigeria’s culture and hospitality

State Correspondent

Popular Ghanaian traveller Efya Kimora has described her brief visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as a memorable experience, highlighting the city’s rich history, distinctive architecture, traditional cuisine and welcoming people.

Kimora, who is currently touring major cities, towns and villages across Nigeria, spent a day exploring some of Ibadan’s most notable attractions, offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical treasures that make the South-Western Nigerian city unique.

Her accommodation in Ibadan was made possible by Gbolahan Fatuga, Chief Executive Officer of Caligeo Suites, who provided lodging support for the Ghanaian visitor during her stay.

Caligeo Suites has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting Nigerian sports by rewarding medallists from Team Nigeria’s outing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with free accommodation. Under the initiative, gold medallists were offered up to 30 days of accommodation, silver medallists 20 days and bronze medallists 15 days.

During her exploration of Ibadan, Kimora began her day with a plate of jollof rice before visiting Cocoa House, a historic landmark widely recognised as the first skyscraper in tropical Africa.

She also explored the Odu’a Museum within the building, where she encountered aspects of the region’s heritage, before taking in an aerial view of the sprawling city.

One of the features that particularly caught her attention was Ibadan’s famous brown rooftops, which contribute to the city’s distinctive landscape and identity.

Her itinerary continued to Bower’s Tower, another historic landmark that offered panoramic views of Ibadan. She also passed by the King’s Palace, visited The Palms Mall and sampled amala, one of the traditional dishes associated with Yoruba cuisine.

Kimora concluded her day at the Cultural Centre in Mokola, where she experienced Ibadan’s nightlife, interacted with residents and made new friends.

Reflecting on her travels, the Ghanaian explorer explained that her passion for discovering Africa stems from the opportunity to learn about the continent’s diverse histories, architecture, food, cultures and people.

Each destination for her, presents a different story, while interactions with local communities remain an important part of the experience.

Although she had only a day to explore Ibadan, Kimora expressed a desire to return and discover more of the city, appreciating the hospitality she encountered during her visit.

Her experience also offers a glimpse into the potential of cultural tourism to strengthen connections between African countries, as travellers cross borders to experience the continent beyond the familiar attractions.

From its historic buildings and panoramic viewpoints to its traditional meals and vibrant social scene, Ibadan gave Kimora a taste of the diversity that continues to draw visitors to Nigeria.

As her Nigerian tour continues through more cities, towns and villages, her Ibadan experience adds another chapter to a journey driven by curiosity, cultural discovery and human connection.

While in Nigeria, Efya Kimora has explored places like Abuja, Enugu, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Lagos State.

Credit: Maxwell Kumoye