Ogun State Set to Unveil Globally Recognized, Record-Breaking Drum Worth N350m

Dr. Lai Labode Jnr, Founder and Promoter of the Egbaliganza Cultural Movement, has announced plans to build a monumental "world's tallest drum" in Ogun State, valued at N350 million, as a strategic move to bolster tourism and economic growth in the region.

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This ambitious project, dubbed the Alake Egbaliganza Drum, is envisioned as a unifying global monument and a significant tourism asset for both Egbaland and Nigeria, according to Labode, who made the disclosure during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

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Labode revealed that the construction of the drum will be funded through contributions from individuals worldwide, with the goal of creating a sense of ownership and drawing tourists to Egbaland, thereby stimulating economic growth.

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The budget for this world-class tourist site is set at N350 million, with the construction process being led by an Egba son, as announced by Labode, who emphasized the importance of global contributions to the project.

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The Egbaliganza initiative, which first launched in 2024 alongside the Lisabi Festival, was inspired by Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, who challenged Egba indigenes to drive development through innovative ideas.

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According to Labode, Egbaliganza is a transformative platform that combines fashion and culture to preserve the rich heritage of the Egba people for future generations, moving beyond the region's past glory to create a new legacy.

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The initiative seeks to accentuate the fusion of fashion and Egba culture, with the aim of preserving the region's heritage and passing it down to the next generation, as stated by Labode.

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The 2026 edition of Egbaliganza is expected to witness unprecedented international participation, with over 50 countries set to take part in the event, which will include a parade showcasing local attires worn by revered monarchs.

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Labode emphasized that Egbaliganza, now evolving into Alake Egbaliganza, will remain an integral part of the Lisabi Festival, designed to showcase the region's cultural richness while driving economic growth through tourism and investment.

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He called on Egba indigenes, particularly those in the diaspora, to rally support for the initiative, stressing that the transformation of Egbaland is intricately tied to the development of Ogun State, Nigeria, and Africa at large.

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Efforts are currently underway to preserve rare cultural artefacts, including century-old Adire fabrics, to ensure the continuity of Egba history, according to Labode, who affirmed that Egbaliganza is more than a festival – it is a movement to celebrate heritage, inspire innovation, unite people, and build the future.