International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
The energy was electric even before the doors opened. Cosplayers in elaborate outfits posed for photos, gamers lined up eagerly for tournament registration, and comic artists arranged their prints under the bright lights of the exhibition hall. The Ibadan Fan Expo (IFE), organized by the Lagos Comic Convention team, had arrived and Ibadan was more than ready.
This wasn’t just another event. Under the theme “From Fan to Founder: Building Businesses From Passion,” IFE 2025 set out to inspire, educate, and connect a new generation of African creatives and fans.
A Celebration of All Things Geek and African
From the moment you stepped in, you felt it: this was a space where passion wasn’t just welcomed it was celebrated. The hall buzzed with life:
Artist Alley brimmed with original comics, prints, and merch from indie creators.
Gaming Zones hosted FIFA tournaments, mobile gaming challenges, and VR experiences.
Cosplayers brought beloved characters to life from Anime and Marvel to original African superheroes.
Publishing Stalls showcased Afrofuturism novels, fantasy epics, and non-fiction on breaking into creative industries.
Learning From the Pros: Talks & Workshops
One of the standout features of IFE was its focus on empowerment. The stage hosted seasoned professionals from comics, animation, gaming, and publishing:
“Stop waiting for permission. Build your own universe.”
Comic artist and entrepreneur, Nnedi Okorafor (via virtual keynote)
Attendees soaked in practical sessions on:
How to monetize your art
Writing compelling African stories
Self-publishing and marketing on a budget
Breaking into the animation industry
Gaming, Cosplay & Community
The gaming arena was packed all day. From casual Tekken matches to intense eFootball showdowns, cheers erupted every few minutes. Nearby, the cosplay catwalk became a runway of creativity with handmade armor, detailed props, and stunning character interpretations.
But what stood out most was the sense of community. Strangers became friends over shared love for My Hero Academia, indie Nigerian comics, or the latest game release.
Why Ibadan? Why Now?
Bringing a major pop culture event to Ibadan wasn’t a gamble it was a statement. As one of Nigeria’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, Ibadan is also home to one of the largest youth populations in West Africa. The Lagos Comic Con team recognized the potential:
We are not just hosting an event, we are planting a flag. Ibadan is filled with talent. They deserve a platform too.
— Ayodele Elegba, Founder, African Comic Conventions
More Than an Event A Movement
IFE 2025 wasn’t just about fun. It was a launchpad. Attendees left not just with freebies and photos, but with contacts, confidence, and a clearer path to turning what they love into what they do.
By the time the lights dimmed and the last panel wrapped, one thing was clear:
Ibadan isn’t just watching the rise of African pop culture it’s helping build it.