The founder and promoter of Egbaliganza, a cultural movement that is committed to the transformation of the cultural landscape of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, Dr. Lai Labode, has opened up on the plans to construct a N350m world-tallest drum to drive tourism and boost the economy of the state and the country at large.
Labode disclosed this on Tuesday during a briefing held at Abeokuta on the celebration of this year’s Egbaliganza alongside the 39th Lisabi Festival
The cultural enthusiast said that the cultural celebration celebrated alongside the Lisabi Festival started in 2024 and was inspired by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who challenged Egba sons and daughters to come up with new ideas that could help advance the growth and development of Egba land and the nation as a whole.
Labode said that Egbaliganza seeks to accentuate the fusion of fashion with Egba culture, all of which are aimed at preserving Egba’s rich cultural heritage for the next generation.
He added that “The Egbaliganza of this year will be different because more than 50 countries across the world will be coming around to pay homage to their hero, Lisabi Agbongboakala and pay homage to Alake and the paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo
“There will also be a parade of our fashion and beautiful local attire. We have created lots of these local attire that would be on display. Our Kabiyesis, Oba Gbadebo and the Olowu, Oba Matemilola, will be showcasing some of these attires.
“We shall also be cutting the tape of the building of the world’s tallest drum. The beauty of this is that it will be built by Egba’s son. This drum of unity is to be called the Alake Egbaliganza drum.
“It will also be the drum that most human beings around the world have contributed to building, so it is not going to be paid for by one, two, three, or four people, but people around the world will contribute to this project and own it while drawing tourists to Egba land.
“The drum of unity will also become a monument that has been contributed to by most people around the world. Our budget for this world tourist site is N350m, and this will be contributed by most people around the world.”
Labode Jnr also dismissed any face-off with the organisers of the Lisabi Festival, saying that Egbaliganza, now to be called Alake Egbaliganza, will always be part of the Festival and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Egba land while also aiding its economic growth through investments in tourism.
