7 popular markets to visit in Ibadan during festive season

The end-of-year festivities are approaching, and what’s Christmas or New Year without shopping for food, clothes, decorations, and other festive items?

If you live in Ibadan or will be visiting during the festivities or its environs, you should check some of these markets out for food items, clothes, decorations, etc. 

The following are popular and easy-to-locate marketplaces where you can shop during Christmas and the new year. 

1. Gbagi market

One market to visit in Ibadan during the festivities if you want to get items in bulk is Gbagi. What do you want to buy? Party supplies, clothes, gift items, shoes, bags, or just about any item in bulk? You’ll get them there at good prices and of great quality. 

Also, if you’re looking for local and culture-based items, such as fabrics, beads, Ankara, household items, fashion items, etc., you’ll find them there. 

2. Aleshinloye

Aleshinloye is your best bet for quality imported materials. It is a popular market you should visit in Ibadan during the festivities because it’s large and has different outlets where you can purchase just about any item you wish, including fashion designing or tailoring items, shoes, accessories, food, clothing, hair care items, etc. 

3. Dugbe market 

Dugbe Market is one of the central marketplaces in Ibadan. Ask around, and you’d hardly find anyone who hasn’t heard of it. When the festive period is approaching, the market is usually busier than on a random day. You’ll find shops and sellers of different things ranging from clothes, shoes, accessories, household items, books, stationery, and many more.

To get the most out of the market, get there early in the morning or afternoon. 

4. Bodija market

The festive period is excellent because of the people you celebrate with, but do you know what makes it better? Food!

Bodija market is the home of great food ingredients and traditional spices, and you get them fresh and of great quality. 

Read Also: Top 5 food markets in Ibadan

5. Agbeni market

Agbeni is famous for being a wholesale market where you can get items at cheap and affordable rates. It’s a large market where you can find foodstuffs, beverages, traditional ingredients, kitchen wares, etc., in bulk and at affordable prices.

However, it can get overwhelming and busy because retailers, housekeepers, students, and a truckload of people go in and out daily.

6. Apata market

Apata market is another one you should visit in Ibadan during the festivities if you want to buy fresh food, produce, and a variety of goods. The market is known for being bright and lively. It might not be as busy as Agbeni or others, but you’ll surely get fresh supplies here.

7. Oja Oba

This translates as “Market of the king” or “King’s market”. This market is deeply connected with historical and cultural precepts, maybe because of its closeness to the king’s palace. You can buy fruits, food items, traditional medicine, herbs, gifts, decorations, etc. 

Conclusively, during the festive season in Ibadan, you can make the most of your time by having a list, comparing prices, and haggling to get the best deals. If you’re unfamiliar with the dialect, you could also have someone accompany you because most of these markets are dominated by people who speak the local dialect.

Also, because of the size and business of the markets, ensure that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It’s also important that there are “market days,” which are often fixed as public market days when you have access to more goods at a reasonable price.