PRESS RELEASE
The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest) is an annual celebration of African literature, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Rooted in Ibadan—a city renowned for its literary and cultural heritage—IbaFest brings together writers, artists, scholars, and cultural leaders to explore the power of stories and the potential of the Creative and Cultural Industries to transform education, community, and national development.
From Ibadan to Nigeria, IbaFest is a call to remember, reflect, and reimagine. It is a space for intergenerational dialogue, bold expression, and creative innovation—bringing together students, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders from across the country
Festival Details
- Dates: Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10am.
- Physical Sessions: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9am.
- Venue: Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
- Admission: Free and open to the public (registration encouraged via www.ibadanfestival.com/annual-festival)
THE Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest) is proud to announce its inaugural edition, taking place on Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025. The festival will open with virtual sessions on Friday, October 24, and continue with a physical gathering on Saturday, October 25 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Rooted in the historic city of Ibadan—long regarded as Nigeria’s literary capital—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 Professor 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 Professor Dan Izevbaye as the Keynote Speaker with other distinguished figures that will lead conversations that reflect on Ibadan’s literary heritage and its relevance to Nigeria’s evolving cultural landscape.
Guests, including Prof. Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi, Prof. Doyin Aguoru, Prof. Akin Adesokan, Olubunmi Familoni, Ayo Oyeku, Nze Sylva Ifedigbo, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, Olajide Salawu, Adedayo Agarau, Othuke Umukoro, Hussein Ahmed, Dr. Sola Adeyemi, Jahman Anikulapo, Akin Tella, Funmi Gaji, Razaq Malik Gbolahan, Chinụa Ezenwa-Ọhaeto, Obinna Udenwe, Ayesha Haruna Attah, Victoria Princewill, Amaka Azie, Ayo Adams, Olamilekan Waheed (Orolabi), Olumide Olutola, Akin Akingbogun, Olabisi Ajakaiye, Santi Femi, ‘Joba Ojelabi among other notable personalities will be gracing the occasion.
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 act and art of storytelling thereby contributing to national development through the Creative and Cultural Industries.
From Ibadan to Nigeria, IbaFest is a call to remember, reflect, and reimagine. It is a space for intergenerational dialogue, bold expression, and creative innovation—bringing together students, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders from across the country.
Festival Details
- Dates: Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10am.
- Physical Sessions: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9am.
- Venue: Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
- Admission: Free and open to the public (registration encouraged via www.ibadanfestival.com/annual-festival)
About IbaFest
The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest) is an annual celebration of African literature, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Rooted in Ibadan—a city renowned for its literary and cultural heritage—IbaFest brings together writers, artists, scholars, and cultural leaders to explore the power of stories and the potential of the Creative and Cultural Industries to transform education, community, and national development.
Media Contact
Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest)
... hello@ibadanfestival.com
Website: www.ibadanfestival.com
Telephone: +2349062034359, +2348098164359
Social Media: @ibadanfestival