Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development Moves to Partner with OtaFEST for WBB International Title Fight in 2026

The Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has expressed strong interest in partnering with OtaFEST, Ogun State’s fast-rising sports and entertainment festival, ahead of the proposed hosting of a World Boxing Body (WBB) International Title Fight in Ota, Ogun State, scheduled for 2026.

This development followed a strategic engagement meeting held on Friday, January 9, at the Ministry of Sports Development, Abeokuta, where the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development received the OtaFEST Executive Team.

The delegation was led by Michael Gomwalk Adebowale, Executive Producer and Overall Lead of OtaFEST, alongside Ayo Samuel Kumolu, Director of Partnerships and Media, and Olaniyi Oluwatobi, a member of the OtaFEST Executive Team. Also present at the meeting was TysonKill Sulaimon Olagbade, the reigning WBB African Middleweight Champion, who attended in representation of the Board Director, World Boxing Body (Africa Region), Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo.

During the meeting, the OtaFEST team presented a comprehensive overview of the OtaFEST project, outlining its vision to integrate sports, culture, tourism, and creative entertainment into a single flagship platform capable of attracting national and international attention to Ogun State.

The delegation emphasized the strategic importance of a tripartite collaboration between the Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Sports Development and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and OtaFEST, noting that such synergy would position Ogun State as a leading destination for sports tourism, international boxing events, and youth-focused development initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting, Michael Gomwalk Adebowale highlighted that hosting an international WBB-sanctioned title fight in Ota would significantly enhance Ogun State’s visibility on the global sporting map.

“This project is designed to present Ogun State as a forward-thinking hub for sports excellence, youth empowerment, and international engagement. An international boxing title fight hosted in Ota will attract athletes, officials, investors, media organisations, and visitors from across Africa, Europe, and the diaspora,” he stated.

The OtaFEST team further noted that boxing, as a globally recognised sport, presents unique opportunities for talent development, youth engagement, job creation, and economic stimulation, while reinforcing Ogun State’s commitment to sports development and international competitiveness.

In his remarks, TysonKill Sulaimon Olagbade, the current WBB African Middleweight Champion, expressed readiness to represent Ogun State on the international stage, describing the proposed event as a historic opportunity to showcase local talent against global opposition on home soil.

The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development commended the OtaFEST initiative and acknowledged the alignment of the proposed international boxing project with the state’s sports development agenda. He affirmed the Ministry’s willingness to explore structured collaboration that would support the growth of boxing and other sports in Ogun State while leveraging the event to promote youth participation and international recognition.

The Commissioner further noted that hosting a globally recognised boxing event would reinforce Ogun State’s position as a state that supports excellence, innovation, and professional sports development, while creating long-term value for athletes and the wider sports ecosystem.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to advance discussions towards formal collaboration, including technical engagements, stakeholder consultations, and the development of a framework that would enable Ogun State to successfully host a World Boxing Body International Title Fight through the OtaFEST platform in 2026.

With growing government interest and strategic alignment across ministries, OtaFEST 2026 is shaping up to become a landmark sports and entertainment event, reinforcing Ogun State’s reputation as a destination for world-class sporting events, cultural tourism, and creative excellence.