The ancient Kingdom of Iwopin in Ogun State has signed a landmark partnership with Digital Transformation Media Limited, to transform the Okosi Festival into a globally recognised digital cultural event.
The agreement, signed during the 2026 Okosi Iwopin Ajidagan Festival, is expected to project the annual boat regatta and the rich heritage of the Iwopin people to audiences across Africa and beyond through technology and digital media.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Oba Sunday Adeniyi Agbojo, the traditional ruler of the kingdom, described the partnership as a major turning point in the history of the community.
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According to him, the Okosi Festival represents the identity, culture and maritime heritage of the Iwopin people and deserves international recognition. “This is not merely the signing of an agreement; it is the opening of a new chapter in the history of our Kingdom,” the monarch said.
He explained that the collaboration would ensure that the sights, sounds and cultural spirit of the festival reach global audiences through digital platforms without losing its originality and cultural values.
The monarch also linked the festival to the cultural legacy of FESTAC ’77, noting that Okosi was among the cultural showcases presented during the historic event in Lagos.
Oba Agbojo added that the initiative would create economic opportunities for youths, artisans and businesses in the kingdom by attracting tourism, partnerships and investment.
Entertainment veteran Edi Lawani, who serves on DTML’s advisory board, said the project could position the Okosi Festival among leading cultural tourism events globally.
He said modern audiences now experience culture through digital storytelling, immersive content and online engagement, making the partnership timely and strategic. “What we are witnessing here is the birth of such a transformation for the Okosi Festival,” Lawani stated.
Shina Badaru, founder and chairman of DTML, said the initiative forms part of the company’s Nigeria Heritage Initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Nigerian culture through technology.
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Badaru disclosed that the company had secured the premium domain name for the festival to serve as its digital home and global information hub. According to him, the digital plan includes live streaming, multimedia production, digital archives, tourism promotion and international media partnerships.
He said the project would also train young people in digital media, event technology and content creation to ensure community participation and long-term benefits.
Under the agreement, DTML becomes the exclusive strategic partner for the digitalisation and promotion of the festival, while the Iwopin Kingdom retains cultural leadership and institutional oversight.
The initiative is expected to position the Okosi Festival as one of Nigeria’s major cultural tourism brands while preserving the traditions and identity of the Iwopin people for future generations.
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