Dipo Olowookere
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Intercontinental Distillers Limited, makers of Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, has been commended for its annual support for the Lisabi Festival.
The brand sponsored the 36th Lisabi Festival, which ended last weekend on high octane in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, after a week of activities.
A veteran music icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, sang melodious songs to serenade participants and fun-seekers at the festival’s grand finale ceremony.
Lisabi Festival is a historic festival and cultural heritage event celebrated yearly by the Egba people of Ogun State in honour of the legendary Lisabi, a hero of the Egba liberation struggle from the dominance of the old Oyo Kingdom.
The festival brings together Egba sons and daughters at home and from across the universe who converged on the ancient kingdom to honour their progenitors.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, while speaking at the event, thanked the company for consistently promoting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba and supporting Lisabi Festival year-on-year, praying with Eagle Aromatic Schnapps for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and Egbaland as well as the prosperity of IDL.
“I thank IDL for always being a friend of the Egba people, which you have always demonstrated as a major partner of the Lisabi Day celebration. Your support over the years is very commendable.
“On behalf of all Egba sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, I seek the blessings of Almighty God and those of our forefathers on you and your brands. We shall continue to pray for you,” he stated.
The Category Manager of Schnapps, IDL, Mr ‘Tofunmi Opaleye, in his remarks, said, “Eagle Aromatic Schnapps is associated with cultural celebrations.
“It’s a brand known for its uniqueness and ubiquitous status as an ‘authentic prayer drink.’ We are excited at the opportunity Lisabi Festival provided for the brand to promote culture, offer prayers, and create some pleasure for Nigerians.”
At the festival, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps sponsored the traditional brain-engaging game, Ayo Olopon, offering prizes to winners of the male and female categories.
Eagle Schnapps also participated actively in the Libation ceremonies at the historic Lisabi Shrine and Olumo Rock, where the authentic prayer drink, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, was used for the Libation rites, which was witnessed by the Aare-Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Mr Gani Adams.
Lisabi Festival provides a memorable spectacle for many Egba sons and daughters from home and across the continent, as well as well-wishers from far and near to relish the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people.
The key activities for this year’s event included traditional libation at the Lisabi ancestral shrine, booming of guns at the historic Olumo Rock, Ayo Olopon competition, local wrestling (Ijakadi) contest, unity seminar, and music performance by various guest artists, among others.
