Egba Traditional Council unveils $1b Egbaliganza fashion brand

The Egba Traditional Council has unveiled plans to establish a $1b fashion industry, as part of efforts aimed at promoting African culture and heritage, create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster cultural exchange. This declaration was made at a media briefing in Lagos, where the council also launched a fashion brand – Egbaliganza, designed to project Egba creativity and craftsmanship in the continent and on the global stage. The Founder of Egbaliganza, Chief Lai Labode, who emphasised the importance of promoting culture and tradition, expressed optimism that Egba fashion and culture would extend across all parts of the world.

He said: “We want to establish a $1b industry for African fashion, and that requires quite a bit of work. We are not just about fashion; we are also about preserving our cultural heritage and taking it to the world. When you’re in New York, Paris, London, you should be able to go to an African store, where you see what Africa has to offer.



” According to the organisers, the brand’s vision is to create a global platform for African fashion, where African designers can showcase their talents and people can experience the richness and diversity of African culture. This platform will not only promote African fashion but also preserve African heritage and culture. Labode also highlighted the significance of the upcoming Egbalinganza 2025, scheduled to hold April 5, with the theme: “The Walkway of King, “described as a rich cultural heritage and the excellence of African fashion.

According to the organisers, the planning involves the four township – Ake, Oke Ona, Owu and Gbagura, adding that the Chief model and host, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland; the Olowu of Owu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, are all part of the planning. The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Abolaji Fagbayi, who lauded the initiative, said: “Our cultural heritage is more than just cloth and attire, it represents generations of artistry that continues to flourish. The Vice Chairman of Egbaliganza, Chief Abiodan Atobatale, emphasised the importance of innovation and evolution in driving the growth of African fashion.

“We want to be part of the innovation; we want to drive the evolution of fashion, art, and culture. “We should always evolve, and be on the wall as we are always the reason why Ogun is called the Gateway State. Our identity is more than just fashion; it’s a way of life.

” While also speaking, the Chairman of Egbaliganza, the Abese of Egbaland, High Chief Yemi Lawal, emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage. “Our identity is more than just fashion; it’s a way of life. We must celebrate our festivals, proverbs, attire, language, and music.

We must always reflect on the essence of our culture, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting the beauty of our heritage.” The Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem, who is the Executive Director, Project Egbaliganza, who said the preparation for event is both nerve racking and joyful at the same time, said their plan is to ensure the event is of world record. “We started with artistic designs of what we want to showcase, which covers fashion, art and culture.

The goal is to promote our own fashion industry, which is Adire, so that we can reduce the influx of China made prints, which are destructive to our brand as Egba people known for sophistication and glamour.”.