Organisers position festival as Africa’s cultural exchange platform, spotlighting creative economy, heritage and global cultural diplomacy
By Janefrances Chibuzor
Organisers of the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival have unveiled plans for the 2026 edition of the cultural showcase, confirming participation from delegations representing more than 50 countries as Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State prepares to host what is projected to be the largest edition of the event since its inception.
Scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026, the programme will hold as a flagship event of the annual Lisabi Festival, honouring the legacy of the legendary Egba hero Lisabi Agbongboakala.
Oganisers say the festival will also serve as a platform to position culture as a viable economic sector within Africa’s growing creative industry.
Conceived under the royal inspiration of Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, the cultural initiative is being coordinated by the Lisabi Festival Committee in collaboration with the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.
At a press briefing announcing the programme, organisers said this year’s edition will emphasise the “Orange Economy,” a global economic concept that recognises culture, heritage, art and creativity as drivers of commerce, tourism and investment.
According to the organisers, the festival will bring together cultural institutions, creative professionals, investors and diaspora communities, transforming Abeokuta into a hub for cultural exchange and economic engagement.
Key highlights of the festival include a Parade of Nations, where delegations from participating countries will showcase their cultural attire and heritage traditions.
Other segments include the Walk of Heroes and Walk of Kings, designed to honour leadership and historical continuity within Egbaland and across participating cultures.
The programme will also feature Egba Fashion Club Runways and Hackathons, youth-focused platforms that blend indigenous textiles such as Adire and Aso-Oke with modern fashion design, technology and sustainable production models.
Traditional performances will also form a major part of the celebration, including ceremonial drumming and the unveiling of the Alake’s Drum, a symbolic element of Egba royal heritage.
Another segment, “Oja Egbaliganza,” will showcase historic garments, artefacts and cultural objects spanning centuries of African craftsmanship.
The festival will culminate in a gala night themed “Flame of a Continent,” celebrating African unity through music, performance and cultural storytelling.
Speaking during the briefing, Lai Labode, Visionary Custodian of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, described Egbaliganza as a cultural platform designed to strengthen unity within Egbaland while opening new social and economic opportunities for its people.
“Lisabi Festival gives us the platform, and Egbaliganza gives us the expression,” he said, noting that the initiative was conceived as a tribute to the courage and collective legacy of Lisabi Agbongboakala.
Also speaking, Raji, Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee, said the festival had evolved into a strong symbol of unity for the Egba people.
“For the third year running, Egbaliganza has brought together our traditional institutions, youth, business community and diaspora in one powerful cultural conversation,” he said.
Organisers added that beyond its cultural significance, the festival is expected to boost tourism and hospitality across Ogun State, create employment opportunities in the creative and event sectors, and expand international visibility for Egba culture and Nigerian creative industries.
With expanded participation and institutional backing, Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival 2026 is expected to reinforce Abeokuta’s growing reputation as a key destination for cultural tourism and creative exchange in Africa.
