The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of agriculture as a means to tackle food insecurity and unemployment in the country.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Lisabi Festival at his Ake Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the revered monarch highlighted the alarming rate of youth unemployment and Nigeria’s dependence on food importation despite its vast agricultural potential. He emphasized that the active participation of young Nigerians in agriculture could serve as a catalyst for economic growth and food sustainability.
“The theme for this year’s Lisabi Festival is Back to Land: Panacea for Food Sustainability and Youth Employment in Egbaland,” Oba Gbadebo stated. “This theme was deliberately chosen to sensitize our people, especially the youth, on the immense opportunities that lie in agriculture.”
Expressing concern over the nation’s reliance on food imports, he remarked, “It is unacceptable for a country with vast arable land to depend heavily on imported food. Our youths must explore agriculture instead of wandering the streets in search of white-collar jobs. If they do so, unemployment will be drastically reduced.”
The monarch further announced that the 2025 Lisabi Festival, scheduled to run from March 31 to April 6, will honour the second Alake of Egbaland, Oba Sir Ladapo Idowu Ademola II (1920–1962), for his outstanding contributions to the development of Egbaland.
“Lisabi Festival remains a significant gathering for all Egba sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to celebrate our rich culture and drive development in Egbaland,” Oba Gbadebo affirmed. “Egba people have distinguished themselves in various fields globally, showcasing resilience, leadership, and excellence. It is, therefore, befitting to celebrate Oba Ladapo Idowu Ademola II, who played a pivotal role in the history and advancement of Egbaland during his reign.”
The Lisabi Festival, named after the legendary Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a revered war hero of the Egba people, continues to serve as a unifying platform for the community while promoting socio-economic and cultural development.
