Davido’s 5ive Tour, Detty December, and My Ultimate Ibadan Travel Experience 2025

By Desmond Ike-Chima

Over the past couple of years, as a journalist and travel YouTuber, I have covered up to seventeen different countries, capturing the beat of bustling cities, sampling their ways of life, and documenting their untold stories.

I find it very amusing how people often chase thrills across the globe but end up overlooking the treasures right in their own backyard. However, that wasn’t going to be me this time. Upon my brief return to Nigeria, I decided to flip the script and approach travel differently. All I wanted was to relax and be ‘taken kia rof’ in the voice of Mercy Eke of BBNaija.

Last weekend, craving a change that felt nearby, straightforward, and truly invigorating, I packed light, left the chaos of Lagos behind, and boarded the first-class train to Ibadan, a city popularly referred to as one of brown roofs and quiet rebellion. My mission was simple: rediscover home and feel the pulse of Nigeria beyond the noise.

The Magical First-Class Train Ride from Lagos to Ibadan

The Lagos–Ibadan train isn’t Morocco’s Al Boraq or France’s TGV, but for ₦10,000, the first-class cabin offers a surprising blend of comfort and calm-a rare luxury in Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.

After nearly breaking my neck hopping on three Okadas to beat Lagos traffic to the train station, I finally made it just three minutes before departure. Once aboard, the cool air conditioning hit me immediately. I claimed my spot by the window, stowed my belongings, and lounged back as if the entire railway belonged to me.

The soft rumble of the engine and the noiseless clack of wheels over rails turned out to be surprisingly relaxing. I nodded off until the PA system announced our first stop: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Station, Papalanto. Over an hour later, when I finally stepped off at Moniya station, I could already feel the unhurried, consistent vibe of Ibadan enveloping the air around me.

Day 2: Eleyele – The Hidden Soul of Ibadan

Many people don’t realise Ibadan boasts a body of water, but they’re wrong. Eleyele Lake quietly surprises visitors when least expected.

The scenery at Eleyele Lake was quite cinematic. The complex songs and chirping of birds were not only therapeutic but soul-lifting. I had these in my head as the local boat driver fitted me with a life jacket, preparing for takeoff from the jetty.

Sailing halfway across the lake toward the mangroves, I paused to soak in the view. I reflected on nature as man’s greatest gift from God-immersing oneself in it is remedial and soul-satisfying.

A sleek seven-seater boat carrying tourists and laughter sped past, revealing a private company offering luxury boat cruises at the lakeside. Though more expensive, it promised an elevated experience. I made a mental note: next time, I’m doing this right.

“Ahéré” and Traditional African Cuisine for Royalties

By noon, hunger struck. I hopped into one of Ibadan’s iconic Micra taxis—those small, rusty sedans that somehow hold the city together—and headed to “Ahéré”, another remarkable discovery that changed the rhythm of my Ibadan adventure.

Forget fancy cutlery. This spot on Akala Expressway is rustic, raw, and beautifully authentic. The name “Ahéré,” meaning “house on the farm,” fits perfectly. Built entirely from grass, palm leaves, and natural wood, it feels like a time capsule from old Yoruba villages.

I was served a sumptuous meal: handmade pounded yam with Efo Riro (local vegetable sauce with Iru), laced with Ogunfe (goat meat) and snake meat that tasted like victory. For dessert, a calabash of freshly drawn palm wine, served in the traditional way, rounded off the meal.

For under ₦20,000, I ate like royalty, laughed like a local, and felt connected to something pure—a memory that will stay with me.

The Under-₦10,000 Adventures

Ibadan isn’t trying to be Lagos, and that’s the magic. With just ₦10,000, you can stretch your joy while strolling down memory lane.

At Ventura Mall, I spent the afternoon racing virtual cars and 3D motorbikes in the game house, then ticked off a bucket-list item: go-karting along Awolowo Road. Later, I enjoyed smoky Suya Rice from Betta Jollof before heading back to the hotel to prepare for Davido’s 5ive Tour concert at Liberty Stadium.

The 5ive Tour Experience: Lights, Chaos, and Lessons

The concert, held on Sunday, November 9th, was pure energy wrapped in chaos. I arrived at 7 pm to total gate chaos. Online tickets were suddenly invalid, forcing thousands to rush to Shoprite to convert them to physical passes. Traffic along Liberty Road was gridlocked for over two hours.

Inside, the crowd was restless. Agitation grew when opening acts took the stage. Some artistes were literally stoned off-stage, proving that the Ibadan crowd doesn’t do pretense. By 1 am, Dremo Drizzy performed, followed by B-Red, then Mayorkun, whose set revived the vibe.

Finally, at 2:10 am, Davido stormed the stage in Yoruba attire and a local fila. His energy was contagious, and despite a minor stampede near the barricades, he delivered a performance that had the crowd roaring in satisfaction by 3:30 am.

Reflections: The Real Treasure of Travel

On the train back to Lagos, I realised something profound: you don’t have to cross borders to find wonder. Sometimes, it’s just a train ride away.

Travel isn’t about luxury; it’s about intentional experiences. As Detty December 2025 approaches, remember: Ibadan isn’t just brown roofs and Amala. It’s calm, culture, laughter, and stories waiting to be told.

For curated travel adventures, contact me at [email protected].

DESMOND IKE-CHIMA is an award-winning journalist and travel YouTuber with over 11,000 YouTube subscribers, a pro travel bucket-list curator, and founder of ENigeria Newspaper.