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Travel | Lifestyle | Culture | History

FOLU OYEFESO

 

FoluOyefeso is a travel and photography blog where I celebrate the richness of Nigeria through pictures and storytelling. I explore our food, history, landscape and architecture and trust me, there's always more when you look closer. Our continent is vibrant, so we should tell our own stories. Take your time to look around, there are a lot of gems.

Every year in October, the Yoruba people of South-Western Nigeria give thanks to the water spirit known as Yemoja. She is ancient...

Discovering the Rich History and Symbolism of Yemoja, the Mother of All Orishas

Discovering the Rich History and Symbolism of Yemoja, the Mother of All Orishas

I spent 3 days in Benin Republic to celebrate the ancestral spirits of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey.

Exploring Voodoo in Benin Republic

Exploring Voodoo in Benin Republic

Aso Oke is a handwoven cloth that is made on a loom. It is typically reserved for special occasions such as marriages, coronations, child...

Learning about Aso-Oke in Iseyin, Oyo State

Learning about Aso-Oke in Iseyin, Oyo State

Visiting the serene grounds of IITA Ibadan is one of my favorite activities. You learn a lot about nature and relax in its glory.

IITA Ibadan - A nature lovers paradise

IITA Ibadan - A nature lovers paradise

There are two suspended lakes in the world and one of them is in Oyo State, so we went to check it out!

Iyake Suspended Lake, Ado Awaiye, Oyo State

Iyake Suspended Lake, Ado Awaiye, Oyo State

Annually, the Oyo State Government draws attention to the towns beyond Ibadan. This year, we explored the fascinating town of Igbeti.

Road trip to the Igbeti hills, Oyo State

Road trip to the Igbeti hills, Oyo State

Visiting the OOPL was a monumental insight into Nigeria’s history. It was built to preserve the footprint of the former President.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta

Attending the Osun festival is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. An annual celebration of the Yoruba river goddess, Osun.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival, Osun State

The Osun-Osogbo Festival, Osun State

I visited a batik factory in Osogbo, Osun State to learn how it's made.

Learning about Batik in Osogbo, Osun State

Learning about Batik in Osogbo, Osun State

The Yoruba people of South western Nigeria are amongst the most culturally and spiritually rich people on the planet. There are many...

The Ojude Oba Festival, Ijebu Ode

The Ojude Oba Festival, Ijebu Ode

Christianity was introduced to Yorubaland in the 18th century. The Hinderer house in Ibadan is ground zero for that, so let's visit it!

The birthplace of Christianity in Yorubaland - The Hinderer house, Ibadan

The birthplace of Christianity in Yorubaland - The Hinderer house, Ibadan

We hiked to the highest point in Ilorin city and encountered a community with different religions coexisting peacefully.

Hiking at Sobi Hills, Ilorin

Hiking at Sobi Hills, Ilorin

Ibadan is a very "coded" city and sometimes it can seem like information isn't readily available, especially when it comes to the best...

Where to get the best food in Ibadan

Where to get the best food in Ibadan

Having spent a bit of time in the NFT space, I've been able to learn a few things. Also what could it mean for African art and artists?

An NFT crash course and the future for African art

An NFT crash course and the future for African art

In 1973, the Federal Government had the initiative of establishing museums across the country to promote unity. I visited the one in Ibadan.

Exploring Nigeria's History: A Visit to the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan

Exploring Nigeria's History: A Visit to the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan

A friend of mine treated me to lunch, and Lebanese food was on the menu from Salma's Lagos.

Authentic Lebanese food, Salmas Lagos

Authentic Lebanese food, Salmas Lagos

While exploring Agbeni market, I stopped by the house of one of the wealthiest Ibadan people from the colonial era, Chief Salami Agbaje.

Salami Agbaje - Wealth, Politics and Age in colonial Yorubaland

Salami Agbaje - Wealth, Politics and Age in colonial Yorubaland

Religion is a touchy subject especially when it comes to African countries. It's role in shaping society is often understated and the...

Inside Nigerian traditional religions - Sàngó, the god of thunder.

Inside Nigerian traditional religions - Sàngó, the god of thunder.

The Cultural Center in Ibadan was once an international travel destination for people to experience Yoruba culture. So what happened?

The Cultural Center, Ibadan

The Cultural Center, Ibadan

The Adebisi Idikan house is a colonial style mansion that was built in 1929. It belonged to a very enterprising man of the 19th Century.

The Adebisi Idikan house, Ibadan

The Adebisi Idikan house, Ibadan

I visited the Trans Amusement Park in Ibadan and learnt quite a bit about the space. What do you think the park can be used for now?

Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan

Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan

The essence of being playful is as pure as nature. It is the very core of our being, but as we grow older, we slowly stop being bothered...

Tobi Onabolu; a lesson in playfulness and creativity

Tobi Onabolu; a lesson in playfulness and creativity

Dodo pizza is a new pizza spot and they actually have a pizza with plantain. My friends and I decided to try them out.

Dodo pizza, Lagos

Dodo pizza, Lagos

Ibadan is an ancient city with lots of remnants from the colonial era. I always knew this, but it hits different when you are actually...

Mapo Hall, Ibadan - One of Nigeria's oldest buildings

Mapo Hall, Ibadan - One of Nigeria's oldest buildings

I thought it would be great to make progress on my Demas Nwoko list. This time it would be the Dominican Chapel in Ibadan.

Exploring Demas Nwoko’s work - The Dominican Chapel, Ibadan

Exploring Demas Nwoko’s work - The Dominican Chapel, Ibadan

Highlife music hasn't had a spot in Nigerian mainstream media for a few decades, but The Cavemen are fast changing that narrative.

The Cavemen, recreating highlife music for a new generation

The Cavemen, recreating highlife music for a new generation

La Mariposa was borne out of an idea. An idea that people can easily get ready-to-wear African clothing that exudes confidence....

Ready-to-wear fashion: A La Mariposa story 🦋

Ready-to-wear fashion: A La Mariposa story 🦋

My mum had come into town that morning. The itinerary for the day was a meeting in Sango Ota, so it was shaping up to be a long day. I...

Lunch at Yellow Chilli, Lagos

Lunch at Yellow Chilli, Lagos

I tried out some street snacks on my road trip to Kwara State. I’m always excited to experience new flavors.

Trying some classic Nigerian street snacks

Trying some classic Nigerian street snacks

We went on a tour of an agro tourism center in Abuja.

Almat farms, Abuja

Almat farms, Abuja

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