Senator AbdulFatai Omotayo Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, University of Ibadan Alumnus and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume along with two other eminent Nigerians have been shortlisted for honours at the 2026 grand finale of Ibadan Cultural Festival.
According to the Ibadan apex socio-cultural organisation, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, two other Nigerians penciled down for honours are; Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede and Vice Chancellor, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Prof. Adesola Ajayi.
The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, made the announcement while addressing pressmen yesterday in Ibadan to herald the activities for the festival.
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Chief Adewole while explaining why the shortlisted Nigerians deserve the honour, he said they have not only made a mark in the service to humanity in their various capacities but have also contributed in one way or the other to the progress of the ancient city through their endeavours.
Ajewole said the activities lined up for the festival were designed to celebrate the rich heritage of the ancient city while promoting its economic potential. The CCII president-general noted that the festival is strategically positioned to attract tourists and showcase Ibadan as a hub of economic opportunities.
He added that beyond cultural celebration, the festival is a platform for fostering unity among indigenes and residents.
Ajewole said Ibadan possesses the capacity to become a leading economic force in Nigeria as it is the Southwest’s capital.
According to him, harnessing the city’s potential would create employment opportunities for youths and significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the festival’s planning Committee, Chief Moshood Akere, and other council officials, Ajewole explained that the festival would also strengthen bonds among over 240 affiliate clubs and expose younger generations to the cultural richness of Ibadan land.
He said: “Our aim is to promote our past heroes. Ibadan is a city that was formed by warriors, and we showcase their legacies every year. The festival also provides an opportunity for Ibadan indigenes in the diaspora to return home, witness the city’s development, and contribute to its economic growth.”
Ajewole also stated that the annual celebration stimulates economic activities, including trade, arts and crafts production, and tourism-related ventures, all of which contribute to local development.
He said the festival’s committee had outlined a wide-range of activities leading up to the grand finale on April 18 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex at Adamasingba in Ibadan.
Parts of the events include a Jum’at service, medical outreach, and distribution of palliatives, Amala Day, church thanksgiving, an education and talent hunt programme, youth conference, stage play, beauty pageant, business dinner, Ibadan conference, and a march past.
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“A key highlight of the festival is the Ibadan Loni Fuji talent show, which will bring together Fuji enthusiasts. The initiative is aimed at exposing our artist to the stage.
“The grand finale will feature a parade of affiliate clubs, with awards for the best-performing groups, alongside musical performances by artists serving as brand ambassadors for this year’s festival.
“In addition to individual honours, the Oluyode family will be specially celebrated as one of the founding warriors of Ibadan land. This year’s edition is notably distinguished by the involvement of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) as the headline sponsor, marking a significant boost in corporate participation compared to previous editions,” he added.
