This guide  would give you a quick description of some notable markets in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria.

Everybody loves shopping, but when it comes to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State Nigeria, the inhabitants take it to another level. Being a very large city, Ibadan is dotted with a numbers of notable markets which have continued to draw in thousands of buyers daily.

The cosmopolitan nature of Ibadan city coupled with its large population has attracted many sellers and farmers. The prices of goods in these markets in Ibadan are considered cheap by many compared to relatively expensive markets in states like Lagos, Nigeria. I would reveal to you some of these markets in Ibadan and where to locate them.

Agbeni Market

Agbeni is a large wholesale market in Ibadan along the Ologede Street. Notable building found around Agbeni is the Methodist Cathedral, founded in 1905. It made up of hundreds of small shops/stalls arranged in a single stretch.

The distributors consist of major and minor distributors who usually maintain a main office and a sales outlet in the market.

Unique attraction

• Prices of goods in Agbeni markets are very cheap
• You can get any form of household items in Agbeni

Bodija Market

It is one of the most busiest markets in Ibadan. Bodija Market was created in October, 1987 by former Military Governor, Tunji Olurin due to the overcrowding at the Orita Merin foodstuff market.

It contains a number of open small stalls/shops scattered around the market. Bodija Market is located along the Secretariat-UI road of Ibadan-North local Government area of Oyo state.

One can find all sorts of households products, agricultural produce and manufactured food items. It also has an abattoir where hundreds of cows are slaughtered daily and a timber market located close to it.

Unique attraction:

• It is predominantly dominated by Hausa and Yoruba traders
• It is the major hub for sale of cattle and livestock in Oyo state, Nigeria

Aleshinloye Market

Aleshiloye market is a popular market where you can get several gift items, household items and jewelries.

It was gutted by fire in August 2014 and efforts are being made to reconstruct it.

Some items that sell majorly in the market are plastic craft, home ware, kitchenware, clothes, shoes, fabrics and materials.

The price of goods in Aleshinloye are a bit pricey but you can be  rest assured of getting quality items

Ogunpa Market

It is located around Dugbe Alawo axis of Ibadan-North Local Government, which is the most commercial area in the whole of Ibadan.

In January 2015, the government made plans to build a 975 million Naira modern market at Ogunpa due to its poor state.

It is popular for selling made in China goods and locally manufactured ones in the form of fashion ware, household items and machinery etc.

Oja-Oba

It is translated as the King’s market because it is located close to the Olubadan’s (Head chief) palace.

Goods are usually displayed in front of the traders’ houses, which are usually tightly packed with little space for ventilation

Oja-Oba popular for fruits and raw food stuff like pepper, tomatoes, plantains, yams, and the likes go for great prices here.

Bola-Ige International Market (Gbagi market)

It is one of the biggest market in Nigeria, located on the Ibadan-Ife Express road a mile away from Ibadan International Airport.  It is about a kilometer from the Lagos–Ibadan Express road; this gives it easy accessibility. It is widely considered to be the first international markets in Nigeria. Over 1million people do various businesses in Gbagi Market ranging from foreigners, artisans, apprentice, workers and distributors. It is a popular market for buying all sort of fabrics, shoes, bags, jewelries which usually enjoys high patronage from women shopping for their various occasions.

Oje Market

Oje Market is an ancient market reputed to be over 100 years in existence. It is located centrally in Ibadan and situated about 1km from the palace of Olubadan of Ibadan, paramount leader of Ibadan, palace. It is regarded as one of the oldest market where Yoruba fabrics are been sold to traders who come from  all over Africa.

It sells mostly international fabric and local fabrics, such as Aso Oke, Sanyan , Alaari, as well as ornamental bead of various sizes. One can also get herbs used in curing various forms of ailments.

Dugbe Market

It is located in Ibadan Central Business District and it is a major hub for transport and trading. It first began operation at Ekotedo and today it stock assorted number of goods.

It has several landmarks such as the cocoa House which was the first story building in Nigeria and the recently built Cocomall in Dugbe, which houses several local and international retail stores like Shoprite, Mr Price, Cashncarry etc. Dugbe market is the biggest clothing market in Ibadan, Oyo State. It is made up streets separated by beautiful shops adorned with foreign Clothing labels.

Bashorun Market

Bashorun market is a relatively small market in Ibadan that is located around the Akobo Bashorun axis of Ibadan

It is made up of rows of small shops facing each other. It sells every day household items, food stuff and goods. Its prices are usually high compared to other markets.

Most of the traders in Bashorun market get their goods from Bodija Market, hence it is difficult getting some items.

Apete Market

This market is situated close to the Sango axis of Ido Local Government area of Oyo State. It can be found close to the Polytechnic of Ibadan.

There are a good number of goods that can be bought at the market from fresh farm produce, manufactured goods to electronics etc.

Source: infoguidenigeria