There once lived a brave young man named Lisabi Agbongbo in the land of Abeokuta.
He was not a king or a warrior, just an ordinary humble farmer. However, when he saw how the people of his land were being treated badly by the Ajeles, the tax collectors who are always sent by the Oyo Empire, Lisabi decided to do something to save his people.
Can you think about a time when someone you know or someone around you was bullied or treated badly in school or in your neighbourhood? Did you feel like speaking or standing up for them, even if you felt afraid or scared? That’s how Lisabi felt.
The Ajeles took food and money from the people, and even their peace. Lisabi couldn’t take it any longer, he didn’t want it to happen again, he hated that his people were suffering. He quietly gathered some other young men who also hated what was happening and wanted a change. They met in the forest, away from the Ajeles, and planned how to defeat the Ajeles and protect their people. [Picture placeholder: image of lisabi with some men talking and planning]
Sometimes, you don’t need to fight with punches and abuses. Planning with wisdom, the right people and calm thinking can solve and eradicate big problems.
In the end, Lisabi’s actions helped free his people from unrest, bullying, fear and suffering. Though he disappeared mysteriously, his name is still remembered because he stood for what was right.
Table of Contents
How Can You Emulate Lisabi Today?
In School
Leadership starts by helping someone, even when no one is watching you. If others are making fun of your classmate because he or she can’t read well, and you thought or decided to help them during break time instead of joining the mockery, that means you are a good leader. That is acting like Lisabi.
At Home
Being brave is not always about fighting and shouting at people. Sometimes it means being nice and showing kindness by making other people or your friend or classmates feel safe and loved. For instance, if your younger sibling is afraid of the dark, instead of laughing at them, you choose to help by singing a song or staying with them in the dark. That shows that you are brave just like Lisabi was, protecting his people.
In The Community
True heroes take action to make the world a better place, even if they don’t get rewarded or praised for it. For example, you woke up one morning, you looked around your playground, and you noticed that it was so dirty and messy, and you thought to yourself; ‘What can I do?’. You went to meet your friends and told them what you noticed, and you and your friends decided to pick up the litters and clean up the playground. That’s a quiet, responsible, and powerful leadership.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to wait until you are all big or tall and grown up to be a hero. You can be brave, helpful, nice and kind starting from today. That’s how Lisabi Agbongbo lived, and that’s why we can remember and honour his name after so many years.
Read also: Lisabi (2024): A Retelling Of History
