In a historic move set to redefine the preservation and global promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, the Kingdom of Iwopin has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with Digital Transformation Media Limited (DTML) for the digitalisation and international promotion of the revered Okosi Festival.
The agreement, signed May 9, 2026 on the sidelines of the colourful Okosi Iwopin Ajidagan 2026 Festival, marks a defining moment in the cultural and economic trajectory of Iwopin, as the Kingdom embarks on a journey to elevate the annual Okosi boat regatta from a celebrated local heritage event into a globally recognised cultural tourism spectacle.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday Adeniyi Agbojo, the Liken of Iwopin Kingdom, delivered a profound and visionary address that underscored the cultural, historical, and transformational importance of the landmark partnership.
Okosi Iwopin: A heritage reawakened for the world
His Royal Majesty described the Okosi Festival as more than a celebration, but a living testament to the identity, resilience, and maritime heritage of the Iwopin people.
“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 declared. “For generations, the Okosi Festival has been the heartbeat of our people, a sacred convergence of culture, history, and communal pride expressed through the rhythms of the waters, the splendour of our regatta, and the unity of our people.”
The Royal Father emphasised that the partnership with DTML represents a deliberate and strategic effort to ensure that this heritage is not only preserved but amplified across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
“In an age where the world is increasingly interconnected through technology, it is imperative that our heritage is not confined to our shores alone. Through this collaboration, the sights, sounds, and spirit of Okosi will travel beyond Iwopin, beyond Ogun State, and beyond Nigeria, to reach audiences across Africa and the global community.”
Drawing a powerful historical parallel, Oba Agbojo positioned the Okosi Festival within the broader narrative of African cultural renaissance.
“We recall with pride the great cultural convergence that took place during FESTAC ‘77 in Lagos, where the richness of Black heritage was displayed before the world. The Okosi Festival, which was proudly showcased at this historic event, stands in that same lineage of cultural excellence, a showcase of identity, heritage, and tradition that deserves its rightful place on the global stage.”
He further noted that the digital transformation initiative would ensure that the festival evolves while retaining its authenticity.
“This partnership guarantees that while we embrace modern technology, we do not lose the essence of who we are. Our traditions will remain sacred, our stories will remain authentic, and our people will remain at the centre of this transformation.”
“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 declared. “For generations, the Okosi Festival has been the heartbeat of our people, a sacred convergence of culture, history, and communal pride expressed through the rhythms of the waters, the splendour of our regatta, and the unity of our people.”
A cultural and economic transformation agenda
The monarch highlighted the broader implications of the agreement, particularly its potential to drive economic growth and youth empowerment within the Kingdom.
“This initiative is not only about culture; it is about prosperity. It is about creating opportunities for our youth, empowering our artisans, and positioning Iwopin as a destination of choice for cultural tourism. Through digital innovation, we will unlock new economic pathways for our people.”
He expressed confidence in DTML’s capacity to deliver on the ambitious vision outlined in the the landmark partnership agreement.
“We have found in DTML a partner that understands both the power of storytelling and the importance of technology in shaping the future. Together, we will ensure that Okosi becomes a beacon of cultural pride and a driver of economic advancement.”
Edi Lawani: Bridging heritage and global entertainment
Entertainment legend and Advisory Board Member at DTML, Mr. Edi Lawani, brought a unique perspective to the partnership, positioning it within the global evolution of cultural festivals as platforms of influence and economic value.
“This is a defining moment, not just for Iwopin, but for Nigeria’s cultural landscape,” he stated. “Across the world, cultural festivals have evolved into powerful global brands, platforms that attract tourism, investment, and international recognition. What we are witnessing here is the birth of such a transformation for the Okosi Festival.”
Mr. Lawani emphasised that the fusion of tradition and modern media would unlock unprecedented opportunities.
“The richness of the Okosi Festival lies in its authenticity: the regatta, the cultural expressions, the communal energy. What DTML brings to the table is the ability to package and project this authenticity in a way that resonates globally, without diluting its essence.”
He noted that the initiative aligns with global trends in cultural consumption.
“Today’s audience is digital. They experience culture through screens, through immersive content, through storytelling that transcends geography. By digitising Okosi Iwopin, we are not just preserving it; we are making it accessible to the world.”
Mr. Lawani also highlighted the importance of positioning the festival within the international tourism ecosystem.
“With the right execution, Okosi Iwopin can become a destination event, something people plan their calendars around, just as they do with major festivals across Africa and beyond. This partnership lays the foundation for that reality.”
Technology, catalyst for cultural transformation
Providing the strategic and operational perspective, Mr. Shina Badaru, Founder and Chairman of DTML, described the agreement as a bold step in redefining how culture is preserved and promoted in the digital age.
“At DTML, we believe that culture and technology are not opposing forces; they are complementary drivers of progress,” he stated. “This partnership embodies that philosophy by leveraging digital tools to amplify one of Nigeria’s most unique cultural assets.”
Mr. Badaru explained that the Okosi Iwopin programme aligns with the technology group’s “Nigeria Heritage Initiative” which includes the development of a digital ecosystem for the festival.
Under the plan, DTML said it has success acquired the premium Nigerian internet domain, www.okosiiwopin.ng, to serve as the digital home of the annual Okosi Ajidagan Festival on the internet.
“The platform,” according to Mr. Badaru, “will drive strategic storytelling, tourism promotion, partnerships, media engagement and innovative digital experiences that will elevate the festival onto the global tourism map.”
He added that, “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. This ensures that the Okosi Iwopin Festival is not only experienced physically but also digitally, by audiences anywhere in the world.”
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond visibility to deliver measurable impact.
“This is about building a sustainable cultural economy. Through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and global media engagement, we will create value that benefits the community, supports local enterprises, and attracts investment.”
Mr. Badaru also underscored the importance of capacity building within the community.
“A key component of this initiative is empowering local youth with skills in digital media, content creation, and event technology. This ensures that the transformation is inclusive and that the benefits are felt across the community.”
Positioning Okosi Iwopin on the global stage
The agreement establishes a long-term framework for collaboration, spanning a diverse array of sustained effort to build the Okosi Iwopin Festival into a globally recognised brand.
Under the agreement, DTML assumes the role of Exclusive Strategic Partner for the digitalisation and promotion of the festival, while the Iwopin Kingdom preserves cultural stewardship and institutional support.
At its core, the partnership is about repositioning the Okosi Iwopin Festival as a flagship cultural event that reflects the richness of Nigeria’s heritage while embracing the possibilities of the digital future.
From the vibrant boat regatta that defines the festival to the intricate cultural expressions that accompany it, every element is set to be documented, preserved, and showcased to a global audience.
The initiative will leverage advanced media production, strategic marketing, and international partnerships to ensure that the festival gains visibility across key markets.
New era for cultural heritage in Nigeria
The agreement between the Kingdom of Iwopin and DTML signals a broader shift in how cultural heritage is approached in Nigeria, moving from preservation in isolation to promotion through innovation.
It represents a model that can be replicated across other cultural assets in the country, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to unlock value while safeguarding tradition.
With the combined strength of traditional authority, creative expertise, and technological innovation, the festival is poised to become a symbol of cultural pride, economic opportunity, and international recognition.
In the words of His Royal Majesty: “The world will hear our story. The world will see our culture. And the world will know Iwopin.”
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway, OSEX, from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction in Abuja, declaring that the era of abandoned public projects has ended.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President said the completion of the strategic road project underscored his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth, easing transportation and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start, and even finish the ones we did not start,” Tinubu said at the inauguration ceremony.
Describing infrastructure as the backbone of economic development, the President said the newly completed road would unlock new opportunities for businesses and residents across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
“What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker and the industrialist, you build roads,” he stated.
Tinubu noted that his administration had steadily advanced the OSEX project, beginning with the commissioning of the first phase from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction in 2024 and the inauguration of the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025.
According to him, the completion of the main carriageway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II represents another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Abuja.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as focused and result-oriented leadership.
“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership. I want to commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his entire team for their commitment and dogged determination in reshaping the FCT for long-term prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Wike directly, Tinubu added: “You have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda delivering quality results for the Nigerian people on time.”
He said the road would reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs and expand Abuja’s economic footprint by improving connectivity between Apo and Wasa districts.
Earlier, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to the determination of the administration and the commitment of the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver within the agreed timeline.
The minister disclosed that when the contract was awarded in late 2025, he had sought assurances from the contractor that the project could be completed in time for President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“I asked them a simple question: can you deliver this project? I told them I wanted it ready for Mr. President’s third anniversary. They said yes. I asked again because I was not comfortable considering the scope of the work, the dual carriageway, culverts and bridges. They assured me they would deliver, and today they have kept their promise,” Wike said.
He revealed that he personally inspected the project site more than ten times to monitor progress and ensure compliance with agreed timelines.
“This means that nothing is impossible if we are determined and committed to achieving results. With proper understanding between government and contractors, and with government fulfilling its obligations, we can achieve a lot,” he added.
Wike said the completion of the road was consistent with the Tinubu administration’s policy of ensuring continuity in governance and completing projects inherited from previous administrations.
“We did say every project we inherited, we are going to continue with it and finish it. That’s the essence of leadership. One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects initiated by other administrations, not just projects initiated by you,” he said.
According to him, about 80 per cent of projects completed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were inherited from previous governments.
“Some people would have said there is no need for that, let us start our own projects. But Mr. President understands that these projects are funded with public resources and government is a continuum. We cannot abandon projects littered across the FCT,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site for traders and artisans operating at the Apo Mechanic Village, fulfilling a longstanding government promise to move the informal sector to a more suitable environment.
Responding to critics who claimed little is being achieved, Wike pointed to ongoing and completed projects across Abuja’s satellite towns, including roads in Kwali, Karu and Kubwa, as well as water projects in rural communities.
“Sometimes it baffles me when people say nothing is happening in this country. Are we doing all these things in heaven or here on earth where people are living?” he asked.
He expressed confidence that residents of the FCT would ultimately appreciate the administration’s efforts and support President Tinubu for fulfilling promises made to them.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the OSEX project as a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
She commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, noting that strategic investments in roads, bridges and other critical projects were translating government policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
Mahmoud also praised Wike’s leadership and commitment to delivering infrastructure that is reshaping Abuja and improving the quality of life of residents.
The newly commissioned road is expected to enhance mobility between key districts of the capital city, support urban expansion and strengthen Abuja’s transportation network as part of the broader modernisation agenda of the FCT Administration.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced plans to commence medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of its upcoming mass wedding programme.
Deputy Commander General of the board, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, disclosed this on Sunday, stating that the exercise will begin on Monday across 24 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the screening will involve 1,500 men and 1,500 women who have registered to participate in the programme.
Aminudeen explained that the health assessment is mandatory and will determine the eligibility of participants for the mass wedding initiative.
The exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS. Prospective couples will be tested for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug use, and other sexually transmitted infections.
He directed all registered participants to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas for the screening, warning that anyone who fails to take part will be disqualified from the programme.
According to the board, only couples who successfully complete and pass the medical screening process will be approved for the wedding ceremony.
The Kano State Government revived the mass wedding scheme under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of efforts to address social challenges and support individuals who may be unable to afford marriage-related expenses.
The initiative has been implemented in previous years and is aimed at helping eligible couples formalise their unions while promoting social welfare across the state.
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