The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has formally endorsed OtaFEST, Ogun State’s fast-rising cultural, sports, and entertainment festival, as it prepares to host a World Boxing Body (WBB) International Title Fight in Ota, Ogun State.
This endorsement follows a strategic partnership meeting held on January 9, 2026, at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Abeokuta, between senior officials of the ministry and the OtaFEST Executive Team.
The meeting was led by Michael Gomwalk Adebowale, Executive Producer and Overall Lead of OtaFEST, who presented the vision, impact, and long-term value of OtaFEST to the cultural, economic, and social development of Ogun State.
He emphasised OtaFEST’s role in positioning Ota as a growing hub for sports tourism, creative entertainment, and international cultural exchange.
According to Adebowale, OtaFEST is designed not just as a festival, but as a destination event capable of attracting visitors, investors, and global attention to Ogun State.
“OtaFEST is a platform created to drive economic activity, empower youth through sports and entertainment, and position Ogun State as a centre for innovation, culture, and global sporting excellence,” he stated.
A major highlight of the discussion was the upcoming WBB International World Boxing Match, scheduled to hold in Ota, Ogun State. The international bout will feature TysonKill Sulaimon Olagbade, a son of the soil and the reigning WBB African Middleweight Champion, alongside a foreign challenger, bringing global attention and diaspora participation to Ogun State.
The international boxing event is expected to attract boxing stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, media organisations, and visitors from across Africa, Europe, and the diaspora, further strengthening Ogun State’s profile in global sports tourism.
Speaking during the meeting, Ayo Samuel Kumolu, Director of Partnerships and Media for OtaFEST, highlighted Ogun State’s vast industrial and commercial potential. He noted that the state hosts one of the highest concentrations of manufacturing companies and industrial hubs in Nigeria, yet remains underrepresented in major brand-driven cultural and entertainment platforms.
“Ogun State has consistently been a backbone for production and industry in Nigeria. It is time for the state to reap the rewards of its economic contribution by becoming a prime destination for premium events, tourism, and brand investments,” Kumolu stated.
In response, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwaseun Fagbayi, commended the OtaFEST team for their vision, structure, and commitment to promoting Ogun State through culture, tourism, and sports. He expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with OtaFEST to deliver a successful and impactful event that aligns with the state’s cultural and tourism development objectives.
Fagbayi further directed relevant departments within the Ministry to commence work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership, as well as an official endorsement letter from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State.
He also encouraged continued engagement with key government stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and maximum impact.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to positioning OtaFEST as a flagship cultural and sports event capable of showcasing Ogun State to national and international audiences.
With government backing, international sporting recognition, and strategic private-sector partnerships, OtaFEST 2026 is set to redefine festival experiences in Nigeria by blending world-class boxing, culture, tourism, music, and entertainment into one global event.
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