Week 5 - Visiting Ibadan, Oyo State
Visiting Ibadan is probably the most important part of my trip. The last time I visited, it was for my grandmother's (mother's side) burial. Since then my grandfather who turns 90 later this year, has been without the woman who he said made the impossible possible. So, it was very important for me to spend quality time with him because I can't imagine his new life without his spouse and partner of over 60 years. As my uncle said in passing to me, my grandmother was the one everyone turned to to solve problems.
Here is some information about Ibadan. It is the capital of Oyo State and once the capital of the old Western Region back when Nigeria practiced a regional form of government. The city is about an hour and a half drive from Lagos. The city is known for its red tin roofs and the first university in West Africa - the University of Ibadan.
Here is some information about Ibadan. It is the capital of Oyo State and once the capital of the old Western Region back when Nigeria practiced a regional form of government. The city is about an hour and a half drive from Lagos. The city is known for its red tin roofs and the first university in West Africa - the University of Ibadan.
I met my grandfather at his house he has lived in since 1981 or so. He just got back from his shop, and as usual, whenever family is expecting a visitor, food was ready! I spent most of my time in Ibadan with him. We went to his shop, doctor's appointments and even an evening church service at St. Anne's Anglican church. The church architecture is a sight to see.
I also got a chance to take my cousin's to the mall. They saw a movie, played games and then we got Coldstone ice cream. They had a blast. The day after, my uncle and I dropped off one my cousin's at his boarding school I think just outside of town. On our way back, we drove around town to check out some sights. We stopped by Mapo Hall, an event center built on a hill with a great 360 degree view of the city. A few days later, I got to visit one my uncle's and his family. While I was there his daughter came over during her lunch period. I also got to spend some time with her brother's daughter. She is a sweetheart.
I was having too much fun in Ibadan but I had to get back to Lagos to prepare for my trip back to the US. It was definitely a great time with family. There are many things that come to life when you experience it first hand. Like meeting my niece who I didn't even know existed. Its always great to seek out family, because no matter how long it has been, you get treated like it was just yesterday.
I also got a chance to take my cousin's to the mall. They saw a movie, played games and then we got Coldstone ice cream. They had a blast. The day after, my uncle and I dropped off one my cousin's at his boarding school I think just outside of town. On our way back, we drove around town to check out some sights. We stopped by Mapo Hall, an event center built on a hill with a great 360 degree view of the city. A few days later, I got to visit one my uncle's and his family. While I was there his daughter came over during her lunch period. I also got to spend some time with her brother's daughter. She is a sweetheart.
I was having too much fun in Ibadan but I had to get back to Lagos to prepare for my trip back to the US. It was definitely a great time with family. There are many things that come to life when you experience it first hand. Like meeting my niece who I didn't even know existed. Its always great to seek out family, because no matter how long it has been, you get treated like it was just yesterday.
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