Sunday Okobi
Seaman’s Schnapps, Nigeria’s original prayer drink, has reaffirmed its cultural significance as the official drink of the 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The organisers of the festival, held in honour of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, said it brought together Egba sons and daughters to celebrate heritage, unity, and identity.
This year’s edition, with the theme: ‘Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,’ combined tradition with a strong developmental focus on youth empowerment and skills acquisition.
“It has increasingly become a major reunion platform, drawing indigenes home for culture, fashion, business exchange, and homage to their roots.
“Throughout the festival, Seaman’s Schnapps remained central to key ceremonial moments, reinforcing its enduring role as a vessel for prayers, blessings, and ancestral reverence. Its presence underscored the brand’s deep connection to Yoruba customs and communal values,” the organisers stated yesterday.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, the Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, Mr. Gbemileke Lawal, said: “Lisabi Festival is more than a cultural gathering; it is a living expression of Egba pride, resilience, and values. Seaman’s Schnapps is honoured to serve as the official prayer drink, reflecting our enduring commitment to tradition, respect, and cultural continuity.”
In his remark, the Senior Brand Manager, Seaman’s Schnapps, Mrs. Nnenna Uche Onyenacho, noted: “This festival represents a powerful connection between heritage and the future. Seaman’s Schnapps is proud to stand with the Egba people, supporting a celebration that preserves culture while inspiring a new generation.”
The grand finale attracted notable entertainment figures of Egba origin, including actor Muyiwa Ademola; Sir Shina Peters, Yemi Solade, and Fuji star, Sule Alao Malaika, among others, adding colour and cultural depth to the celebration.
Indigenes from across Nigeria and the Diaspora also gathered to pay homage to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, reinforcing the festival’s importance as a unifying platform.
Across the festival grounds, Seaman’s Schnapps significantly created an engaging brand experience, with its stands drawing large crowds who sampled the product. The presence of Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson, dressed in a Seaman’s Schnapps-branded Agbada, further heightened excitement, attracting visitors for shared moments, lively interactions, and photographs.
The 39th Lisabi Festival drew thousands of indigenes and visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, underscoring its growing importance as a cultural tourism destination. “Looking ahead, Seaman’s Schnapps remains committed to sustaining its role as the prayer drink of choice, continuing to honour tradition while supporting the values that unite communities and inspire future generations,” organisers added.
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