Lisabi Festival promotes unity, strengthens cultural identity – Gov Abiodun

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has urged Egba indigenes to emulate and uphold the legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the warrior who fought for their liberation.

Abiodun spoke at the 38th Lisabi celebration, held on Saturday at Ake Palace in Abeokuta, stressing that the festival promotes unity and strengthens cultural identity.

The governor stated that the festival themed ‘Back to Land: Panacea for Food Sustainability and Youth Empowerment in Egbaland', aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda on economic revitalisation through agriculture.

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to investing in agriculture to empower young people and foster growth in rural areas, Abiodun pledged to rehabilitate rural roads, in order to ease transportation of farm produce across the state.

Nonetheless, the governor also promised to repair all of the state's cultural heritage monuments, noting that the tourism industry is a significant avenue to enhance the revenue generation.

He said, “This is the best of the best of the Lisabi day celebrations, it is the best so far.

“Today’s event stand as a tribute to Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, as we honor the sacrifices we must recognize that the legacy must be emulated, their noble deeds should inspire us to greater achievement both individually and collectively.”

In his remarks, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo,
expressed joy over the colourful participation of Egba people in the celebration.

He noted that the year’s festival embraced innovation, introducing new elements to make the event unique and memorable.

Alake said, “Seeing people in different costumes shows unity, strength in culture, education, and pride in many good things.

“I welcome innovation. I want fresh ideas that will inspire imagination in our people.”

Meanwhile, Oba Gbadebo thanked Senator Ibikunle Amosun for constructing an amphitheater that housed the people and gave a befitting Lisabi Festival Celebration.

DAILY POST reports the Kabiyesi, in a modern cart alongside other Obas, chiefs and some important personalities drove into the venue of the program with almost all of them in Egbaliganzer traditional fashioned attires to showcase the heritage of Egba land.