The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland is encouraging Nigerian youths to get involved in agriculture to help increase food production and generate employment opportunities. He expressed concerns over high levels of unemployment and food insecurity in the country but believes that youth participation in agriculture can make a positive impact.
In preparation for the 2025 Lisabi Festival, the monarch emphasized the theme “Back To Land: Panacea For Food Sustainability And Youth Employment In Egbaland” as a way to highlight the importance of agriculture. He urged young people to consider farming as a viable option to address unemployment and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.
The Alake also announced that Oba Ladapo Idowu Ademola, the second Alake of Egbaland who ruled for 42 years, will be honored as the hero of the 2025 Lisabi Festival. This decision was based on the monarch’s significant contributions to the history and progress of Egbaland.
The Alake reiterated the significance of the Lisabi Festival as a platform for celebrating the rich culture of Egbaland and promoting development within the community. He praised the achievements of Egba sons and daughters globally, highlighting their resilience, leadership qualities, and service to humanity that reflect the spirit of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala.
Choosing Oba Sir Ladapo Idowu Ademola II as the Hero of the festival was deemed appropriate due to his remarkable contributions to Egbaland’s history, development, and overall accomplishments during his reign as the Alake of Egbaland from 1920 to 1962.