Abiodun Admonishes Egba Indigenes To Attribute Their Existence To Legendary Lisabi

Officials fron the state ministry of culture and tourism with Governor Abiodun and Alake of Egbaland

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

ABEOKUTA - Egba indigenes, home and in diaspora have been enjoined to attribute their existence to the sacrifices and heroic deeds of late Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a legendary warrior and liberator, who freed them from the servitude imposed on them by the Oloyo, as this enviable legacy would propel them to greater achievements in their individual and collective pursuits.  

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun gave this admonition at the grand finale of the 34th edition of Lisabi festival with the theme “Culture: A Panacea for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development” held at the June 12 Cultural Centre Pavilion, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, while congratulating the people of Egbaland for marking another milestone in the celebration, said the gathering, should serve as reminder for individual and collective responsibilities to motherland.

He added that, the celebration should strengthen the bonds of unity among various segments of the Egba nation in particular, and Ogun State in general towards fostering continued peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship, adding that a concrete step should be taken in charting a new course  for the socio economic development of the state. 

The State’s helmsman reassured the people of the state of its administration's unwavering commitment towards the development of all parts of the State, by involving a people centered framework for the development and implementation of its programs as encapsulated in its "Building our future together" agenda.

In his words, "this administration is committed to new programmes through Public Private Partnership to engender a wholesome development of our dear State and create more prosperity for the good people of Ogun State".

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo said the Festival which has become of international standards has continued to promote the culture and tradition of Egba indegenes as it serves as a rallying point for the promotion and development of the State and nation at large, saying the all-embracing role culture plays as an integral component of national development process and the vehicle for inculcating artistic values which goes a long way in building national unity and patriotic commitment cannot be over emphasized.

Dr. Taiwo assured that the ministry would not relent at ensuring that tourists sites across the three senatorial districts in the State attain international standards.

In his address, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo disclosed that this edition’s celebration is the best ever, while calling on Nigerians to adopt healthy rivalry in the exchange of ideas from various tribes in the country and make it better that how it was, when adopted.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the festival committee, Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji said the role of culture in the development of any nation with reference to Egbaland cannot be overemphasized as its relates to the development of the society with its economic importance, hence the need to harness the role of culture on developing the social and economic sphere of any society.

The celebration featured chieftaincy conferment, woro dance, cultural displays, homage by various groups, presentation of competition prizes and bursary awards, among others.