The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, has said that the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival will address the growing trend of youths abandoning hard work, professional careers and technical vocations, which he described as critical drivers of sustainable development.
The monarch disclosed this during a press conference held at the Alake Palace in Abeokuta to herald activities marking the 2026 Lisabi Festival.
He noted that this year’s celebration would go beyond cultural festivities, stressing that it would serve as a platform to promote apprenticeship and vocational skills among youths.
The festival, themed “Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,” reflects the progressive and nation-building ideals of the Egba forebears, particularly the legendary warrior, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala.
According to the monarch, the theme was deliberately chosen in view of the growing shift of youths away from productive ventures.
“This year’s theme could not have been more appropriate when we consider the current counter-productive trends occasioned by the massive shift of our youths away from hard work, professional callings and technical vocations, which serve as core pillars and drivers of sustainable development,” he said.
He added that the celebration would combine cultural display with transformative ideas aimed at sustaining the resilience and progressive spirit of the Egba people.
Oba Gbadebo stressed that Egbaland possesses a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved and strengthened across generations.
“It is no gainsaying that we are richly endowed with an enviable heritage which we have kept very dear to our hearts, with every generation adding qualitative inputs to make it globally attractive, stronger and more acceptable,” he said.
The monarch also revealed that the festival is gaining international recognition, noting that flags of several countries would be hoisted at the festival pavilion to represent Egba sons and daughters in the diaspora.
He further disclosed that no fewer than 250 horse riders, led by the monarch, would participate in the traditional Woro procession, one of the highlights of the festival. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is also expected to speak at an exhibition on traditional and herbal medicine as part of the activities lined up for the celebration.
Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Rasheed Raji, said the 13-day festival, scheduled to run from March 16 to March 29, 2026, would feature a wide range of cultural, educational and sporting activities.
He listed programmes lined up for the celebration to include a secondary school quiz and debate competition, exhibitions of arts and crafts, seminars, conferment of chieftaincy titles, football competitions, free medical outreach, traditional prayers and the ceremonial booming of guns at Olumo Rock.
Raji added that the grand finale of the festival would be held at the Amphitheatre, Ake Palace, on March 28, while a thanksgiving service would take place the following day at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
He assured residents and visitors of adequate security throughout the celebration.
The Lisabi Festival is held annually in honour of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the 18th-century Egba hero celebrated for uniting the Egba people and leading their struggle for freedom and independence.
