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The Iwopin Kingdom has signed a partnership agreement with DTML aimed at digitalising and globally promoting the revered Okosi Festival in a move designed to boost cultural tourism, economic growth and heritage preservation.
The agreement was signed on May 9, during the Okosi Iwopin Ajidagan 2026 Festival in Ogun State.
The partnership is expected to transform the annual Okosi boat regatta from a local cultural celebration into an internationally recognised tourism and heritage event through digital technology, strategic media engagement and global marketing initiatives.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Liken of Iwopin Kingdom described the agreement as a historic milestone in the cultural evolution of the kingdom.
According to the monarch, the Okosi Festival represents the identity, maritime heritage and communal pride of the Iwopin people and must be preserved for future generations while being projected to the global community.
“This is not merely the signing of an agreement; it is the opening of a new chapter in the history of our Kingdom,” the royal father said.
“For generations, the Okosi Festival has been the heartbeat of our people, a sacred convergence of culture, history and communal pride.”
Oba Agbojo said the partnership would ensure that the cultural significance of the festival extends beyond Ogun State and Nigeria through modern technology and digital storytelling.
“In an age where the world is increasingly interconnected through technology, it is imperative that our heritage is not confined to our shores alone,” he added.
The monarch also referenced the participation of the Okosi Festival during the event in Lagos, noting that the festival belongs to a rich lineage of African cultural excellence deserving international recognition.
He stressed that the initiative would preserve the authenticity of the tradition while embracing technological innovation.
According to him, the project is also expected to create economic opportunities for youths, artisans and businesses within the kingdom through tourism and digital enterprise.
Entertainment veteran and Advisory Board Member at DTML, described the agreement as a major development for Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sector.
He noted that leading cultural festivals around the world have evolved into global brands capable of attracting investment, tourism and international attention.
“This is a defining moment, not just for Iwopin, but for Nigeria’s cultural landscape,” Lawani said.
“The richness of the Okosi Festival lies in its authenticity, the regatta, the cultural expressions and the communal energy.”
According to him, DTML would deploy modern media and digital storytelling strategies to preserve and project the festival globally without losing its cultural essence.
Founder and Chairman of DTML said the initiative forms part of the company’s broader Nigeria Heritage Initiative focused on preserving and promoting cultural assets through technology.
Badaru disclosed that the company had acquired the premium domain name for the festival’s digital platform, which will serve as its official online destination.
He explained that the initiative would feature multimedia content production, live-streaming technology, digital archiving and international media partnerships aimed at placing the festival on the global tourism map.
“We are deploying a multi-layered strategy that includes a dedicated digital platform, immersive multimedia content, live streaming capabilities and the creation of a digital cultural archive,” he said.
According to him, the project is designed not only to improve visibility for the festival but also to create a sustainable cultural economy capable of supporting local enterprises and attracting investment.
Badaru added that the initiative would also include training programmes for youths in areas such as digital media, content creation and event technology to ensure community participation in the transformation process.
Under the agreement, DTML will serve as the exclusive strategic partner for the digitalisation and promotion of the Okosi Festival, while the Iwopin Kingdom retains cultural stewardship and institutional oversight.
The partnership establishes a long-term framework for promoting the festival through advanced media production, strategic marketing and international collaborations.
Observers say the initiative represents a growing trend in Nigeria towards using technology and digital innovation to preserve cultural heritage, while creating economic value through tourism and creative industries.
With the new partnership, organisers believe the Okosi Festival is positioned to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading cultural tourism events with international appeal.
