Nigeria’s literary capital hosts inaugural book fest
Oyo state capital, Ibadan, popularly hailed as Nigeria’s literary capital, is set to host the first-ever Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest) on October 24–25, 2025.
The two-day event opens with virtual sessions on Friday, October 24, and continues with a physical gathering on Saturday, October 25, at the Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
IbaFest 2025 is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Anchored on the theme “The Past as Prologue to the Future.”
The festival will feature literary readings, artistic performances, exhibitions, and panel discussions that explore the enduring power of ideas and the role of the Creative and Cultural Industries in shaping education, community, and national development.
The festival builds on successful prelude events held in July and August 2025, including a tribute to Niyi Osundare, the internationally acclaimed poet and public intellectual. These events drew nearly 1,000 participants onsite and online, setting the tone for what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most vibrant cultural gatherings.
IbaFest 2025 is honoured to host Emeritus Dan Izevbaye as the Keynote Speaker with other guests that will lead conversations that reflect on Ibadan’s literary heritage and its relevance to Nigeria’s evolving cultural landscape.
IbaFest would also bring together secondary school students from public and private schools in Ibadan for an interactive student-author session.
This will enable students to learn from renowned and award-winning authors on the art and act of storytelling, thereby contributing to national development through the Creative and Cultural Industries.
