Lisabi Festival Set To Propel Nigeria’s Tourism Industry Into The Global Spotlight

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo launched a major initiative to increase tourist visits to Nigeria when he asked Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition organizers in Egbaland Ogun State to concentrate their efforts on protecting and developing the area’s historical sites. The festival’s organizers visited Obasanjo at his home where he emphasized the importance of displaying the region’s abundant cultural heritage to international audiences. The statement was issued before the 2026 Lisabi Festival which will occur on March 16.

The Lisabi Festival, a time-honoured tradition, celebrates Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a revered warrior from Egbaland who mysteriously vanished into the Oba forest about 200 years ago. This cultural festival serves as a commemoration of Lisabi’s heroic legacy and the historical importance of the Egba people, and it has the potential to become a major tourism attraction if its heritage sites are properly preserved and promoted.

Obasanjo’s Call to Action: Preserving Key Heritage Sites

Obasanjo’s call to action focuses on bringing attention to several key heritage sites in Egbaland, which he believes are crucial for the region’s cultural tourism development. Among these sites are the historic Iwe Irohin House, the birthplace of Nigeria’s first newspaper, and the Abeokuta Prison Gaols at Ibara, one of the oldest prison sites in Nigeria. Other notable sites include the dilapidated Ibara Railway Station, Okoshokori, the residence of Efunsetan Aniwura, and Madam Tinubu’s storey building.

The former President emphasised the urgent need to restore these sites, warning against the continued neglect and potential destruction that could deprive future generations of an important link to Nigeria’s past. He added that showcasing these landmarks would not only celebrate the region’s history but also attract tourists and researchers interested in Nigeria’s pre-colonial and colonial history.

He also pointed out the necessity of focusing on renowned figures from Egbaland, such as the Ransome Kutis, Toye Cokers, Majekodunmis, and M.K.O. Abiola. By connecting these figures to the region’s rich heritage, Obasanjo believes that Egbaland can emerge as a premier cultural tourism destination in Nigeria.

Lisabi Festival: A Platform for Cultural Exhibition and Tourism Promotion

The Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour, scheduled as part of the 2026 festivities, is an exciting new initiative designed to raise awareness of Egbaland’s cultural and historical wealth. Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji, the Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee, elaborated on the vision behind the pre-festival tour. The event will include a special exhibition of traditional herbs and medicines, showcasing the medicinal plants and remedies that are deeply rooted in Egbaland’s history. This exhibition aims to highlight the cultural significance of traditional knowledge, further enriching the cultural tourism offering.

The exhibition will be complemented by guided tours to several heritage sites across Egba, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich traditions and history. The Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour will also spotlight Egba’s illustrious institutions such as the Abeokuta Grammar School, a symbol of educational excellence in Nigeria.

Obasanjo has shown his full support for the initiative, accepting an invitation to deliver a lecture on the role of traditional herbs from Egbaland. His participation in the festival is expected to add a layer of prestige and credibility to the event, drawing further attention to the area as a potential tourism hub.

Key Players in the 2026 Lisabi Festival

In addition to Captain Rasheed Raji, the delegation meeting with Obasanjo included several notable figures from Egbaland’s cultural and academic circles. Prof. Ajao Adelekan, a renowned theatre artist, and Ebun Oloyede, known as Igwe Olaiya, were among the prominent attendees. The group also included Chief Sina Yekinni, Chief Modupeoluwa Sanyaolu, and Basirat Adisa, all of whom are instrumental in shaping the direction of the Lisabi Festival and the Pre-Festival Heritage Tour.

The team presented a detailed itinerary of the proposed events and exhibitions, ensuring that all areas of Egba would participate in hosting the festival and heritage tours. This collaborative effort signals a collective push to bring Egbaland to the global stage and position it as a key cultural tourism destination in Nigeria.

The Potential of Egbaland’s Tourism Sector

Egbaland, with its historical significance, cultural richness, and strategic location in Ogun State, holds immense potential for tourism growth. However, for this potential to be fully realised, there must be concerted efforts to revitalise and preserve its heritage sites. The Lisabi Festival is an ideal platform to not only celebrate local traditions but also to showcase the region’s untapped tourism potential.

Obasanjo’s remarks echo the sentiments of many local stakeholders who believe that tourism can play a vital role in the economic development of Ogun State. By preserving its historical sites, highlighting notable personalities, and promoting traditional art forms, Egbaland can attract international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences. This, in turn, can contribute to job creation, infrastructure development, and the growth of local businesses.

A Future as a Global Tourism Destination

With the support of key figures like Obasanjo and the dedication of local leaders, the Lisabi Festival and Pre-Festival Heritage Tour have the potential to become major cultural events that attract both local and international visitors. As the region embraces its rich heritage and pushes for the preservation of its historical landmarks, Egbaland is poised to take its place on the global tourism map, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through Nigeria’s past and present.

Ogun State will establish itself as an international tourism destination by using the Lisabi Festival and Egbaland heritage sites as its main tourist attractions. The Egba people will protect their heritage through these initiatives which will allow future generations to honor their cultural traditions.

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