The state achieved many “firsts” in Nigerian history, from the first University in the country and the nation’s first skyscraper, to the first TV station in Africa.

The state is an embodiment of Yoruba culture, with the olubadan overseeing the whole affairs of traditional institution. The capital, Ibadan, is the second largest city in Nigeria by population after Lagos.

Oyo has the first University in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan (established as a college of the University of London when it was founded in 1948, and later converted into an autonomous university in 1962).

Another prominent landmark is Cocoa House, the first skyscraper built in Africa. Also a “first”, Oyo accounts for the first television station in Africa while Liberty Stadium in Ibadan was the first stadium built in the continent.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Oyo. The climate in the state favors the cultivation of crops like maize, yam, cassava, millet, rice, plantains, cocoa, palm produce, cashew and the list goes on.

There are also vast cattle ranches at Saki, Fasola and Ibadan. Cattle rearing, mainly by the Fulani who shift their location, is a feature identified with the savannah areas.

The increase in the development of boreholes has greatly facilitated developments in agriculture in the state, particularly in the area of domestic water supply to the farming population and also for irrigation projects.

  • About 10% of the state’s annual budget is allocated to the health sector. Several state hospitals, health institutions and health care centers are spread all over the state to provide adequate medical care for the citizens.

Places of interest include the Dugbe market, a huge traditional marketplace, the Parliament Building and Cocoa House.

Ibadan is also close to the historic towns of Oyo, Ogbomosho, Ijebu-Ode, Ife, Ilesha and Oshogbo.

On the other hand, the Old Oyo National Park contains the ruins of the original Oyo city, besides being rich in plant and animal resources including buffaloes, bushbuck and a wide variety of birds.

The observance of the worship of Egungun (the masquerades), Oro, Sango (god of thunder), Orisa (the deities)and ogun (god of iron), cut across all the four Yoruba sub-groups in the state, though the nomenclatures they use differ from place to place.

CAPITAL: Ibadan POPULATION: 6.6 Million AREA: 28,454 km2 CREATION: 1976