The 39th Lisabi Festival will be playing host to fifty countries across the globe as participants at a week-long traditional and cultural activities, the invitation which is initiative of Egbaliganza, a Heritage Culture Platform.
Penpushing reports that the convener of the platform, Chief Lai Labode jnr, who is the Aare of Egbaland, made this known at a world press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, adding that the invited countries are coming to join in honouring the legend Lisabi Agbongbo Akala and pay homage to Alake.
‘Fifty countries will be participating at this year, 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival. They are coming as participants to join us in honouring our legend Lisabi Agbongbo Akala and pay homage to Alake’, Labode stated
The President of Confederation of African Fashion explained that Egbaliganza was founded to transform Egba, which he described as cradle of many first, but need to create new verse, which equally prompted establishment of Lai Labode Foundation
Penpushing further reports that the Ijaiye born Egba Chief used the occasion to announce change in name of Egbaliganza to Alake-Egbaliganza, boasted that Egba are special people, adding that transformation of Ogun State is directly to Egba,
The convener explained that the Egbaliganza was inspired by Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and henceforth the platform is now to be known as Alake-Egbaliganza
‘Egbaliganza is founded with vision to transform Egba which is the cradle of many first. Egbaliganza was inspired by Alake. We Egba are special people, transformation of Ogun State is directly to Egba’, he emphasized
Penpushing also reports that the Egbaliganza creator who was accompanied by his father Chief Lai Labode Snr, a veteran journalist to the press conference disclosed that the establishment of Lai Labode Heritage Museum is in the offing
The Convener admitted some challenges in the formative stage of Egbaliganza, which he said has been adequately addressed, adding that the festival will also provide opportunities to honour all Egba heroes which include Kurunmi and host of others.
Penpushing reports that the Brand Manager, Goldberg, Nigerian Breweries, a major sponsor of the event, Titilayo Odekunle, in her speech affirmed that the organization is pleased to be part of the celebration, adding that Goldberg has always had a special relationship with the culture of the Southwest
‘Let me begin by saying how pleased we are, as Goldberg Lager Beer, to be part of this moment. Goldberg has always had a special relationship with the culture of the Southwest. Over the years, the brand has become present in many of the gatherings, festivals and celebrations that bring people together’, she said.
‘That connection is rooted in the Omoluabi values that have long guided Yoruba society respect, dignity and a deep sense of community. Supporting cultural platforms like this is one of the ways we honour those values and show appreciation to the communities that have embraced Goldberg for decades’.
‘That is why our partnership with the Egbaliganza Lisabi Festival feels particularly meaningful. The story of Lisabi is a reminder of what leadership, courage and unity can achieve when a people decide to stand together. And that legacy continues to shape the identity of the Egba people today’.
‘What Egbaliganza has done so beautifully is take that heritage and give it contemporary expression.Through fashion, craftsmanship and creative storytelling, the festival has created a stage where culture is seen, worn and celebrated with pride. The elegance of Aso-Oke, the boldness of traditional design, the pride with which people present themselves are expressions of identity’.
‘And in a time when the world is moving quickly and cultures can easily lose their voice, platforms like Egbaliganza play an important role. They remind us that heritage is not something to be locked away in the past. It is something that must continue to live, evolve and inspire the next generation’.
‘At Goldberg, we recognise the importance of that responsibility. We believe brands that truly belong to a community must also show up in the spaces where that community expresses its pride. Supporting Egbaliganza is therefore our way of standing behind a celebration that honours Egba heritage with confidence and dignity’.
‘We commend the organisers for building a platform that continues to grow in cultural relevance and visibility. And as Goldberg, we are proud to stand alongside you in celebrating the richness, creativity and enduring pride of Egba culture’, Odekunle.
Penpushing reports that some officials of the Alake-Egbaliganza at the conference include Dr Kayode Akinsola (Director of Operations), Princess Enitan Adegbite (Director of Festival), as well as number of sponsors of the events
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