Why Egbaliganza Is A Cultural Blueprint For Africa’s Next Renaissance – Lai Labode

The founder and chairman of Money Token Africa, Chief Lai Labode, has described Egbaliganza as greater than only a cultural motion, saying it’s a revolutionary blueprint for Africa’s subsequent renaissance.

Talking passionately in regards to the initiative, Labode mentioned Egbaliganza was a deliberate and soulful effort to have a good time and elevate the heritage of the Egba folks in Ogun State, whereas providing a daring cultural mannequin for the remainder of the continent.

“Egbaliganza is greater than garments. It’s greater than a celebration. It’s the blueprint for a way folks can honour their previous whereas designing their future,” Labode added.

Launched in the course of the 2025 Lisabi Pageant, Egbaliganza made waves with daring trend shows, however the true substance lies beneath. Rooted in id, constructed with objective, and scaled with imaginative and prescient, Egbaliganza represents a shift in how Africans relate to heritage, economic system, and energy.

“On the coronary heart of the initiative is a 50-year improvement grasp plan that weaves collectively trend, city planning, youth mentorship, the humanities, and pan-African management. “We’re rebuilding Egbaland from the bottom up—not simply with infrastructure, however with concepts,” Labode defined.

That grasp plan consists of creating three heritage zones in Abeokuta: cultural neighbourhoods full of monuments, walkways, domes, and interactive artwork. “We purpose to make historical past seen. Each monument, each sculpture, each dome will inform a narrative—from Lisabi to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, from historic warriors to residing legends.”

However it began with trend. In the course of the 2025 unveiling, Egbaliganza featured 840 custom-made attires, many crafted by native artisans. Every design carried a narrative. “The Abetieye cap, as an example, is worn solely by the king and signifies divine management. Even our trousers have names like Kurunmi and Ologun Asiko, every linked to Egba historical past,” Labode affirmed.

Labode emphasised that this wasn’t trend for spectacle, including that, “Style is technique. Our designs are embedded with which means. Strolling the runway, we’re telling our story with out talking.”

Past historical past, Egbaliganza is about empowerment. The venture introduced collectively a multigenerational workforce of creatives, historians, chiefs, designers, and younger professionals. “This isn’t a solo venture. It’s a collective mission. We had folks fly in from the UK, younger creatives from Lagos, and elders from the palace—all working collectively,” he mentioned.

Native artisans performed a key position. “We sourced all the pieces regionally—material, coral beads, embroidery, and gold equipment. We refused to import what we already had at dwelling. That’s a part of the philosophy. If you wish to construct a $500 billion African trend trade, it begins with trusting your individual,” he famous.

Certainly, Labode envisions Egbaliganza because the catalyst for a continent-wide trend and cultural economic system. “Africa presently owns simply 1.2 % of the worldwide trend market. That’s not solely unfair, it’s a missed alternative. We wish to elevate that to fifteen %.”

His technique? Collaboration. In 2026, Egbaliganza will host the African Style and Heritage Convention, bringing collectively designers, cultural leaders, and presidents from throughout Africa and the diaspora. “We’ve already spoken with President William Ruto of Kenya. He talks about Africa, however we instructed him he must put on Africa too.”

Egbaliganza additionally presents its blueprint to different ethnic teams. “From Egbaliganza to Afroliganza, we’re encouraging each tribe—Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv, Benin—to create their model. And we’ll assist them. Our story ought to encourage others to put in writing theirs.”

Management, for Lai Labode, means lifting others as you rise. “We’re not doing this to be praised. We’re doing this to awaken a continent,” he mentioned.

The private inspiration for Egbaliganza got here unexpectedly. Throughout a palace go to, Kabiyesi Alake recounted the story of a girl who escaped a pressured marriage by operating to a sacred sanctuary. That girl turned out to be Labode’s grandmother. “At that second, one thing modified in me. I realised this wasn’t nearly tradition. It was a divine task.”

He additionally credit Kabiyesi and the Egba chiefs for giving their blessing. “They understood this wasn’t rebel. This was restoration.They backed us, and it gave the venture credibility,” he mentioned.

Labode was fast to level out that cultural integrity stays a precedence. “We’re not eroding custom. We’re modernising it with respect. The Egba of right this moment nonetheless maintain the values of the previous—simply now with higher instruments and louder voices.”

His final aim? A pan-African cultural awakening. “I wish to see a world the place African leaders put on apparel that speaks of their folks. The place our youngsters stroll via cities and be taught our historical past via the partitions. The place trend, artwork, and coverage stroll hand in hand.”

Egbaliganza, he insisted, is simply the start. “We’re constructing a brand new story for Africa—stitched in satisfaction, colored in resilience, and designed with legacy in thoughts.”

When requested what he desires to be remembered for, his reply is straightforward but highly effective: “That I helped Africa bear in mind itself.”