The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to partner with the private sector for the promotion and preservation of its traditions and cultural heritage.

The Governor, Dapo Abiodun, assured that his administration will always welcome ideas from private entities or individuals that would promote and preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

Abiodun stated this during the installation of Chief Lai Labode, the chief promoter of Egbaliganza, as Balogun of Ijaye. Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, Abiodun hailed Labode for being a great promoter of the rich culture and tradition of the Egba people.

The governor stressed that Labode’s idea of Egbaliganza, which has helped showcase the strong fashion sense of the Egba people during the Lisabi Day celebration, was a good testament to the impact of collaboration between the government and the private sector in harnessing the economic potential in the country’s rich culture.

He said, “Egbaliganza has not only boosted the local economy of the state, it has also put the state and Egbaland in the limelight for cultural heritage preservation. My administration will always welcome ideas from private entities or individuals that would promote and preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

“I am here to felicitate the new Balogun of Ijaye. I’m not surprised that he is getting the well-deserved honour from his people. I met him around October last year when they came to seek our support on the Egbaliganza project, which was highly successful. We welcomed them, and since then, we have been working together on celebrating Lisabi Day this year. They surprised everyone by putting together such an eye-catching programme within a short period.

“You being a Balogun of Ijaye today shows that you are capable of moving the community forward, moving Egbaland forward and moving Ogun State forward.”

In his acceptance speech, Labode appreciated the people of Ijaye and Egba land for finding him worthy of the honour, just as he promised to do everything humanly possible to promote the cultural values of the Egba people.

“We are inspired by Kabiyesi, Alake of Egbaland, who has continued to preach for all sons and daughters of Egbaland to come back home and create new firsts for Egbaland.

“Ijaye is a very special place in the heart of the Almighty God, and it is time for the light of Ijaye to shine first, not just for Egbaland but for Ogun State, Nigeria and Africa, so I’m quite excited.”

In his remarks, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described the new Balogun of Ijaye as an illustrious son and cultural icon who has made significant contributions to the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people.

Represented by the Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare, Alake, however, urged Labode not to rest on his oars but to keep doing his best to enhance the socio-economic development of Egbaland and the state as a whole.