In furtherance of its resolve to promote the Culture and Tourism industry in the Ogun State, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced plan to build a $5 billion fashion and creative industry, anchored on indigenous culture.  

The Governor revealed this at the grand finale of the 2026 Lisabi Festival held at Ake palace, Abeokuta, stating that the plan in collaboration with federal government was central on the positioning of Adire fabric and the popular Egbaliganza cultural showcase, which had already sparked an “Adire Renaissance” by empowering local artisans and stimulating enterprise.

According to him, Tourism and preservation of cultural heritage were key pillars of the administration’s strategy to boost the state's economy.

Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, Gov. Abiodun described the 2026 Lisabi Featival as “unique and profoundly symbolic,” coinciding with Ogun’s 50th anniversary, as well as the sacred observance of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season. 

He said the convergence highlights unity across faiths and culture, noting that the theme of the celebration “integrating apprenticeship training into formal education” was a strategic pathway to tackling youth unemployment and boosting productivity.

According to him, the state has aggressively revamped its Technical and Vocational Education and Training system, positioning Ogun as a national leader in skills development.

Abiodun highlighted as developmental, the  flagship initiatives such as the Ogun Learning Enhancement and Academic Resource Network (OgunLEARN), alongside job centres and work hubs spread across the state’s three senatorial districts, completed and ongoing road projects across Abeokuta, including major link roads and the Kuto Flyover axis, as well as progress on the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.

He added that housing development has also seen significant expansion, with new residential projects and the regeneration of the Ibara Government Reserved Area nearing completion.

The Governor further revealed that a once-abandoned 250-bed specialist hospital in Oke-Mosan, has been rebranded as the Ogun State Medical Centre of Excellence, and would soon begin operations, positioning the state as a hub for medical tourism.

He urged residents to embody Lisabi’s values of courage, sacrifice, and unity, stressing that sustainable development depends on collective commitment.

“As we celebrate, let us live the legacy of Lisabi,” he said. “Together, we will continue to build a prosperous and inclusive future for our state", he concluded.