Lisabi Festival 2026 will host 50 nations in Abeokuta, celebrating Egba heritage and boosting cultural tourism in Nigeria

Convener of Egbaliganza, Dr Lai Labode, has announced that at least 50 countries will participate in the Lisabi Festival 2026, paying homage to Egba legend Lisabi and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

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Dr Labode disclosed this during the unveiling of activities for the third edition of Egbaliganza, scheduled for March 28 in Abeokuta.

He described the development as a powerful cultural milestone that will position Abeokuta on the global stage.

Dr Labode said the convergence of nations reflects the deep cultural weight and identity of the Egba people.

According to him, the festival will feature a Parade of Nations, where delegations will showcase their unique traditions alongside Egba heritage.

Dr Labode added that the event will include a formal charter signing to strengthen long-term collaboration in culture, tourism, and creative enterprise.

Other highlights include the Walk of Heroes and Walk of Kings, designed to honour legacy and leadership across cultures.

He also announced fashion runways and hackathons that will promote indigenous textiles such as Adire and Aso-Oke, blending tradition with innovation.

A symbolic Unity Drum, known as the Alake-Egbaliganza Drum, will be unveiled during the festival.

An 80-man orchestral band will perform, while the “Oja Egbaliganza” exhibition will display historic garments and artefacts.

Dr Labode noted that some of the artefacts date back several centuries, underscoring the richness of Egba history.

The festival will conclude with a gala night themed “Flame of a Continent,” alongside the formal Lisabi Day celebration.

In a major boost, the organisers confirmed that the Lisabi Festival 2026 has secured official recognition from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

Dr Labode said the recognition strengthens the festival’s national status and opens new opportunities for cultural tourism and economic growth.

He added that the 2026 theme will focus on culture as a driver of economic development at grassroots, national, and continental levels.

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The announcement signals a bold step in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage, with Abeokuta set to become a vibrant hub of international cultural exchange.