At least 50 countries will participate in this year’s Egbaliganza, a flagship cultural programme of the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, paying homage to legendary Egba hero Lisabi and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
Convener of Egbaliganza, Aare Dr Lai Labode, said the March 28, 2026 event will turn Abeokuta into a cultural capital, showcasing the weight of Egba history, craftsmanship, language and identity on a global stage.
He announced a packed programme for the day, starting with a Parade of Nations where delegations from over 50 countries will display their distinct cultures alongside the Egba people on a shared platform.
A formal charter signing will accompany the parade to establish long term cooperation between participating nations and the Egbaliganza platform in culture, tourism and creative enterprise.
Other highlights include the Walk of Heroes and Walk of Kings, celebrating legacy and leadership in Egba society and among visiting cultures.
There will also be Egba Fashion Club Runways and Hackathons that spotlight indigenous textiles such as Adire and Aso Oke, connecting tradition with technology and modern business.
The festival will unveil the Alake Egbaliganza Drum, also called the Unity Drum, to be built by a son of Egbaland as a symbol of cultural pride and cohesion.
An 80 man Egbaliganza orchestral band is billed to perform, while the “Oja Egbaliganza” showcase will present historic Egba garments and artefacts, including ancient attire estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old.
Activities will climax with the Gala Night tagged “Flame of a Continent,” featuring performances, ceremonial presentations and cultural storytelling, alongside the formal Lisabi Day celebration marking the 39th Lisabi Festival in honour of Egba ancestors and heritage custodians.
Labode also confirmed that the Lisabi Festival has now received official Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, boosting its national status and tourism potential.
He said the 2026 central theme focuses on the role of culture as a direct driver of economic development at grassroots, national and continental levels.
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