•Details Of The 1 Week Classy Event
It was a week long affair in Abeokuta last week, as a lot of Egba son’s and daughters trooped out to celebrate the 36th edition of LISABI Festival, with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
The programme of the week long event started on Monday 13th February 2023 and went on to Sunday 19th February, 2023.
There was a Press Conference at Ake Palace Auditorium, Abeokuta on Monday 6th February, 2023 and the celebration kicked off the following Monday 13th with the booming of guns at Olumo Rock. There was the cleaning of the Palace ground by youths, public mobilisation by Women & Youths in a carnival like procession with float, Quiz Competition final at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta, Lisabi Football Competition Semi-Final at Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, and Traditional Wrestling at Ake Palace.
On Tuesday 14th February, 2023, there was the opening of Exhibition/Cultural Display and Agric Show by the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, at the Amphitheatre, Ake Palace, Abeokuta. Then came Traditional Ayo Game Competition Final and Distribution of Prizes at the Adire Hall, Ake Palace, Abeokuta. There was also a Drama Competition Final at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta. There was also Children Social Programme by Egba Youths at Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta.
On Wednesday 15th February, 2023, there was a seminar on Promoting Parental Responsibility as a Panacea Towards Better Children and Youths Development in Egbaland at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta. This was followed by Lisabi Football Competition Final at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta and Award of Prizes took place.
On Thursday 16th February, 2023 there was a procession to Igbo Lisabi by Obas, Chiefs, Baales, eminent personalities, youths and other people. There was a visit to Hero of the Year, late Chief Abdulrahman Kola Balogun, Balogun of Oje Ile, Gbagura, Abeokuta.
On Friday 17th February, 2023 there was a stop over at Itokun Cenotaph by the Alake and his entourage enroute Olumo Rock. From there the entourage went to Olumo Rock and there was a traditional prayer on top of the Rock. This was followed by display by Cultural Groups.
Following this was Jumat Thanksgiving of the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta.
Then came Luncheon/Awards to distinguished Sons/Daughters and Friends of Egba at OK Events Centres, Ibara GRA Abeokuta.
Then came a Youth Squash Academy Tournament, powered by Royalty Club of Egbaland.
On Saturday 18th February, 2023 was the Grand Finale at the Amphitheatre Ake Palace Abeokuta. The Special Guest of Honour was Gov. Dapo Abiodun who graced the event. There was Woro Dance, beginning from sectional basis amid drumming and dancing, ending at Ake. There was cultural displays, homage by Egba Chiefs, Clubs, Associations, Societies, Baales, Youths and other groups. There was the presentation of Bursary Award by Egba National Association, USA/Canada. There were congratulation/goodwill messages, speeches, music and entertainment. Then the Egba Youths had a concert at Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
The next day, Sunday 19th February, 2023, there was a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta and midnight of that Sunday there was a display of Oro.
What is Lisabi Festival all about?
We can tell you.
Lisabi Festival is a defining event that recalls the heroic activities of Lisabi Abongbo Akala who fought for the emancipation of the Egbas from their oppressors. This Festival is rich in the display of historical and cultural activities which attract various stakeholders In the Arts, Culture and Tourism Industries.
Lisabi Festival has always been a unique forum for mobilizing the convergence of Egba sons and daughter from far and near for the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Egbaland and Ogun State at large. The display of cultural values at this festival has so far increased the influx of tourists and investors into the state.
The them for this year’s festival – “Promoting Parental Responsibility as a Panacea towards Better Children and Youth, Development in Egbaland” is very apt, timely and in consonance with our administrations policy on women empowerment and youth development. Indeed, Kabiyesi and the Lisabi Festival organizing committee over the years have prioritized children and youth development in their programmes while ensuring a successful annual festival.
Over the years the celebration has acquired a global renowned for its historical significance and serves as a reminder of the rich and unbroken string of great accomplishments of the Egbas right from the homestead as well as critical contributions to the making of the Nigerian Nation and its continued existence. At the heart of this cultural fiesta is the legendary Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, who has remained a symbol of the heroic exploits of an individual, his valour, self-sacrifice for the common good and an exceptional demonstration of honour. It is noteworthy that Lisabi’s efforts were rooted in the Omoluwabi’s value and ethos. He was a man with a strong character and courage, the defining attributes of the Egbas.
Who are the members of the 2023 Lisabi Festival Committee? We can tell you. They are: (1.) High Chief (Alhaji) Rasheed Adisa Raji – Chairman (2.) Engr. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi, mni (3.) Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Oloyede (4.) Chief (Mrs.) Teju Bakre (5.) Chief (Prof.) Delana Ajao Adelekan (6.) Chief (Mrs.) Bola Okedara-Laoshe (7.) Chief M. Ayinla Oke (8.) Chief Seni Ogunyemi (9.) Chief (Mrs.) Stella Abiade (10.) Pastor (Mrs.) F. A. Oyekunle (11.) Evangelist Yemi Olanrewaju (12.) Chief (Ms.) Dupe Sanyaolu (13.) Chief (Engr.) S. O. Oguntoyinbo (14.) Chief (Dr.) Bunmi Aiyelaagbe (15.) Prince Lanre Amosun (16.) Chief (Engr) S. B. Akinsanya (17) Prince Muhad Ibrahim Adetilo (18.) Chief Dele Obadimu (19.) Chief Akindele Mufutau Olajumoke (20) Chief Saheed Durojaiye (21) Chief Adeolu Ogunmuyiwa (22) Chief (Alh.) Muse Jimoh (23) Chief Aramide Gbadamosi (24) Alhaji (Chief) A. A. Adebowale (25) Hon. (Chief) Mukaila Awakan (26.) Chief Musibau Olalekan Sobowale (27.) Chief (Mrs) Remilekun Opere (28.) Chief Folorunso Oluwanbe (29.) Chief Sunmon Isiaq (30) Alhaji Kamorudeen Adedo (31.) Mrs. Dupe Idowu (32) Mr. D. A. Alabi (33) Mr. Moruf Seun Gbadamosi (34) Mr. Adewale Adekunle (35) Mr. Adekunle Adeoye (36.) Mr. Sina Yekinni (37.) Deacon O. E. Obimakinde (38.) Mr. Adeyinka Adesina (39.) Mr. Ismail A. Babarinsa (40.) Mr. Sakirudeen Adenekan (41.) Mr. Sueli Abiodun Jolaoso (42.) Comrade H. O. Fadairo (43.) Mr. Adebayo K. Ogun (44.) Mrs. Funmilayo Ilori (45.) Alhaji Wahab Soretire.
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