Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 set to unveil $1bn textile industry in Abeokuta

 

Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025, a cultural event celebrating the heritage of the Ẹ̀gbá people, is set to unveil a $1 billion fashion and textile industry in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event, scheduled to take place on April 5, 2025, is designed to promote the Ẹ̀gbá culture, fashion, and heritage, while also creating economic opportunities for local artisans, designers, and textile entrepreneurs.

According to Chief Lai Labode, Osi Apagun, the visionary behind Ẹ̀gbáliganza, the event aims to establish a $1 billion value chain in the indigenous textile industry, particularly in Adire and other traditional fabrics.

"We are building an industry that will not only celebrate our past but also secure our future," Labode said.

The event will feature stunning fashion showcases, artistic exhibitions, and live performances that will bring Ẹ̀gbá history to life. It will also include business empowerment sessions, connecting local entrepreneurs with international opportunities.

The Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 is supported by the Lisabi Committee and the Egba Legacy Network, and is expected to attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

With its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 is set to be a landmark event that will shape the future of Nigeria's heritage economy.

Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 is more than just a cultural celebration—it is a movement, a revival, and a powerful economic vision aimed at transforming the fashion and creative industries in Ẹ̀gbáland. 

“Following the resounding success of the inaugural edition in 2024, this year's event, headlined by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation and supported by the Lisabi Committee and Egba Legacy Network, is set to be even grander, spotlighting the rich heritage of the Ẹ̀gbá people while unveiling new opportunities for economic growth and youth empowerment,” the organisers said.

Through structured training programmes, funding support, and market expansion strategies, the event aims to empower local artisans, designers, and textile entrepreneurs, positioning Ẹ̀gbáland as a global fashion and culture hub.

Beyond its cultural significance, Ẹ̀gbáliganza is an economic catalyst. The event is set to bridge tradition with innovation, opening doors for local businesses, designers, and artisans to tap into the lucrative global fashion industry. 

With the increasing global appreciation for indigenous African textiles, the time has come for the world to see Ẹ̀gbá craftsmanship as more than just heritage—it is an economic powerhouse waiting to be fully harnessed.

The event will feature stunning fashion showcases, artistic exhibitions, and live performances that will bring Ẹ̀gbá history to life. 

From the timeless elegance of Adire to the regal presence of agbádá, the essence of Ẹ̀gbá sophistication will be on full display. 

In addition, Lai Labode Heritage Foundation in conjunction with the Lisabi Committee and the Egba Legacy Network unveiled the 2025 theme, ’Walk Way of Kings’, which will highlight the grandeur and leadership spirit embedded in Ẹ̀gbá culture.

“Ẹ̀gbáliganza is not just an event; it is a movement that will redefine how we see culture and commerce in Ẹ̀gbáland. Through this platform, we are creating opportunities, reviving our heritage, and securing the economic future of our people,” Labode said.

With anticipation building, one thing is certain—Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 will be a landmark event, shaping the future of Yoruba heritage and making history in real time.

Chief Yemi Lawal, Chairman of Ẹ̀gbáliganza, highlighted the connection between the event and the Lisabi Festival. "Lisabi Festival honors our history, and Ẹ̀gbáliganza projects that legacy into the future," he said.

Chief Abiodun Atobatele, Vice Chairman of Ẹ̀gbáliganza, discussed the importance of investing in the textile industry. "Fashion is one of the most visible and commercially viable aspects of culture," he said. "By investing in our textile industry, we are not only preserving heritage but also creating sustainable wealth for our people."

Ayokunle Odebiyi, representing Northern Hills Company, the marketing partner of Ẹ̀gbáliganza, shared his insights on the event's branding efforts.

Cash Token, a corporate sponsor of the event, emphasized the importance of investing in cultural heritage. "Culture is identity, and identity is value. Investing in Ẹ̀gbáliganza means investing in the future of Nigeria's creative economy."

Chief Mustapha, Director of Projects, provided insights into the planning behind Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025.

With its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, Ẹ̀gbáliganza 2025 is set to be a landmark moment in the history of Ẹ̀gbáland.

TASUED: Adeoye asks Abiodun to upgrade Abeokuta technical college to university

A financial expert and legal practitioner, Gbenga Adeoye has asked Governor Dapo Abiodun to upgrade the Abeokuta Technical College to a university.

This was in reaction to the takeover of the Tai Solarin University of Education by the Federal Government.

Adeoye celebrated former Governor Gbenga Daniel for establishing TASUED during his tenure.

“This man OGD came up with the idea of ICT Colleges which later became Polytechnics in all the three Senatorial District. Igbesa and Saapade people will never forget the impact .We have Adegbenro ICT in the central too and Amb Toye Okanlawon was appointed by Dapo Abiodun as Chairman of council.

“South West ICT training centre in Abeokuta also came during his tenure. He wanted the Stock Exchange in Abeokuta too. That same OGD built Laderin Estate for Civil servants at a price less than N800,000. I have professional colleagues who are beneficiaries.

“TASUED is solid enough for Federal Government to adopt it. Glory to God. It remains the first university of education in Nigeria. To this end, I say congratulations to Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ogun State and my inlaws, the Ijebus and Awujale because the university is on the land of the Ijebus (more or else in preparation for Ijebu State. I pray it becomes a reality). When a university is appraised and found good for adoption by FGN in one's domain, then it calls for celebration,” he stated.

Adeoye maintained that the next action should be how to turn the technical college to a university with campuses in all the three senatorial districts.

“Next is for us to see how we can turn the Technical College at Abeokuta to Abeokuta Technical University (ATU) with campuses in all the three Senatorial District and main Campus at Idi Aba Abeokuta.

“I urge Prince Dapo Abiodun to act fast and make history by converting Technical College Idi-Aba to Abeokuta Technical University just as TASUED is making history today and no one can forget OGD who laid the foundation.

“I volunteer to provide pro bono support service to bring this to reality,” he stated.

 He also begged that Federal Government to retain the name as 'TASUED' and not attempt to change it.

“TASUED is now a Federal University just as UNILAG remains a Federal University and the beauty of that great University is to keep the name, TASUED.

“May God bless OGD, God bless Amosun, God bless Dapo Abiodun and his team , God bless Ogun State, God bless Nigeria, God bless Tinubu, God bless the Minister of Education and NUC.

“I also pray that God will bless the Ijebu Heritage Group and other Associations; both known and unknown, and those who worked behind closed doors to ensure TASUED becomes a Federal University of Education,” he submitted.