By Abiodun Lawal
Cultural promoter, Dr Lai Labode, has announced plans to construct a N350 million world tallest drum in Ogun to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth.
Labode, the founder of “Egbaliganza” made this known on Tuesday in Abeokuta. during a news conference ahead of the 2026 Egbaliganza cultural celebration.
He said the initiative, which aligns with the Lisabi Festival, was inspired by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, to promote development-driven cultural innovation.
According to him, Egbaliganza, which began in 2024, is designed to fuse fashion with Egba culture while preserving indigenous heritage for future generations.
Labode said the 2026 edition would attract participants from more than 50 countries, showcasing global cultural solidarity and honouring the Egba hero, Lisabi Agbongboakala.
He added that the event would feature a parade of fashion and indigenous attires, with traditional rulers including the Alake and the Olowu expected to participate.
The founder said a major highlight would be the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed “Alake Egbaliganza Drum”, described as a global unity project.
He explained that the drum would be constructed by an Egba indigene and funded through contributions from individuals across the world.
Labode noted that the project was conceived as a unifying monument that would attract tourists and position Egbaland as a global cultural destination.
He said the N350 million project would be collectively financed, giving contributors a sense of ownership while boosting cultural tourism in the state.
“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 of Egbaland.
“We shall also be cutting the tape of the building of the world tallest drum. The beauty of this is that it will be built by an Egba son. This drum of unity is to be called Alake Egbaliganza drum.
“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 the most people around the world,”he said. (NAN)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
