Ibadan didn’t just happen. It was built. Rebuilt. And it keeps becoming. Founded by Lagelu, a fearless war chief from Ile-Ife in the 17th or 18th century, the original settlement of Eba Odan — meaning “between the forest and the plains” — was a vision born out of necessity, resilience, and hope. It was destroyed once, but Lagelu and a few others survived and rebuilt it from the ashes, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic cities in Africa.
Today, Ibadan is the largest city in West Africa (and second only to Cairo on the continent), a true symbol of expansion, integration, and strength. But it wasn’t built by history alone — it’s being rebuilt every day, by people who choose to believe in its future.
People like Karim Adeyemi — a global football star with local roots and a deep sense of purpose.
Rebuilding Ibadan: One Vision, Many Hands
The story of Ibadan is one of collective effort and evolving possibilities. From ancient warriors to modern traders, teachers, and visionaries — the city has always been shaped by partnerships and people who dared to dream bigger.
That spirit lives on today through innovators creating international markets, cutting-edge agricultural systems, and life-saving medical infrastructure. Through schools, community sanitation, and sports development, Ibadan is being reimagined for a new generation.
And standing among the changemakers is a son of the soil — Karim Adeyemi.
Karim Adeyemi Foundation: Building With Purpose
At Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF), we don’t see interventions as acts of charity. We see them as bricks in the rebuilding of a city, and the restoration of dignity across underserved communities.
Here are some ways we’ve taken that vision forward:
🧒🏾 Education Access – Scholarships, mentorship, and learning materials (including the “Know Oyo State” book donation) to connect children to knowledge and cultural pride.
🚰 WASH Projects – Clean water and sanitation facilities in markets like Oje, empowering traders and improving public health.
⚕️ Healthcare Interventions – Construction of the first Emergency Children’s Ward at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, ensuring swift and specialized care for young patients.
⚽ Youth Development – Community football programs that use sport as a tool for confidence-building, discipline, and global aspiration.
🍛 School Feeding – Targeted programs like the one in Ikorodu, Lagos, which not only fights malnutrition but also boosts school attendance and relieves economic pressure on families.
A Broader Vision: Global Goals, Local Action
Everything we do is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By grounding our work in culturally relevant, community-first approaches, we’re not just delivering services — we’re helping communities rediscover their own power and potential.
Looking Ahead: Ibadan, Again and Again
Ibadan was once razed and rose again.
Today, we’re not just rising — we’re redesigning the future.
And at Karim Adeyemi Foundation, we’re committed to ensuring that this city — and many others like it — become places of dignity, equity, and endless opportunity.
Because every time we lift a child, a mother, or a market — we rebuild Ibadan.
And every smile we protect is another stone in the foundation of a stronger tomorrow.
