Paragraph 1: The Alake’s Call to Action
Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, has issued a resounding call to Nigerian youths, urging them to embrace agriculture as a vital solution to the nation’s pressing challenges of unemployment and food insecurity. These twin concerns, according to the monarch, pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s progress and well-being. However, the Alake believes that the nation’s youth hold the key to transforming this precarious situation. By actively engaging in various agricultural enterprises, they can unlock a wealth of opportunities, not only for themselves but also for the nation as a whole.
Paragraph 2: The 2025 Lisabi Festival and its Focus
The Alake’s call to action came during a press conference held at his Ake Palace in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in anticipation of the 2025 Lisabi Festival. This year’s festival, scheduled for March 31st to April 6th, 2025, carries the poignant theme "Back To Land: Panacea For Food Sustainability And Youth Employment In Egbaland." This carefully chosen theme underscores the festival’s central focus on promoting agriculture as a means of achieving food security and tackling youth unemployment within Egbaland and, by extension, Nigeria.
Paragraph 3: The Paradox of Nigeria’s Food Insecurity
The Alake expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s dependence on food imports despite its vast arable land resources. He finds it unacceptable that a nation blessed with such agricultural potential struggles to feed its population and relies heavily on imported food. This dependence, he argues, not only undermines the nation’s economic independence but also deprives its citizens of the opportunity to benefit from the wealth creation potential of agriculture. He emphasized the need for a shift in mindset, urging young people to view agriculture not as a last resort but as a viable and rewarding career path.
Paragraph 4: Agriculture as a Solution to Unemployment
The Alake sees agriculture as a powerful tool for combating the pervasive issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. He believes that by encouraging and supporting young people to engage in farming, the country can significantly reduce unemployment rates and empower its youth to become productive members of society. He envisions a future where young people, instead of roaming the streets in search of scarce jobs, actively participate in agriculture, contributing to food production and creating wealth for themselves and the nation.
Paragraph 5: Honoring Oba Ladapo Idowu Ademola II
This year’s Lisabi Festival will honor Oba Sir Ladapo Idowu Ademola II, the second Alake of Egbaland, who reigned for an impressive 42 years (1920-1962). The decision to choose Oba Ademola II as the hero of the festival stems from his significant contributions to the history, progress, and achievements of Egbaland during his reign. The festival organizers recognize his legacy of leadership and service and believe that his example can inspire the current generation to strive for excellence and contribute to the development of their community.
Paragraph 6: The Lisabi Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Progress
The Lisabi Festival serves as a vital rallying point for Egba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora. It provides a platform for them to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and contribute to the development of Egbaland. The festival embodies the values of resilience, doggedness, astute leadership, and service to humanity, all qualities exemplified by the life and times of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the historical figure after whom the festival is named. By honoring past leaders like Oba Ademola II and focusing on contemporary challenges like food security and youth unemployment, the Lisabi Festival aims to inspire positive change and progress within the Egba community and beyond.
