Abeokuta: 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 during a news conference ahead of the 2026 Egbaliganza cultural celebration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative aligns with the Lisabi Festival and was inspired by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, to promote development-driven cultural innovation. Labode emphasized that Egbaliganza, which began in 2024, is designed to merge fashion with Egba culture while preserving indigenous heritage for future generations.
Labode revealed that the 2026 edition would attract participants from more than 50 countries, showcasing global cultural solidarity and honoring the Egba hero, Lisabi Agbongboakala. The event will feature a parade of fashion and indigenous attires, with traditional rulers, including the Alake and the Olowu, expected to participate.
A major highlight of the event will be the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed ‘Alake Egbaliganza Drum’, described as a global unity project. Labode explained that the drum would be constructed by an Egba indigene and funded through contributions from individuals across the world. He noted that the project was conceived as a unifying monument that would attract tourists and position Egbaland as a global cultural destination.
The N350 million project would be collectively financed, giving contributors a sense of ownership while boosting cultural tourism in the state. Labode stated, “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.”
He further mentioned that the tape-cutting ceremony of the building of the world tallest drum would be a significant event. Labode highlighted the importance of the drum being built by an Egba son, emphasizing that the ‘Alake Egbaliganza drum’ would become a monument contributed to by people around the world.