Seaman’s Schnapps reaffirms cultural heritage commitment

Seaman’s Schnapps has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through its sponsorship of the 2026 Ekimogun Festival in Ondo Kingdom.

The annual festival, also known as the Ogun Festival, celebrates Ogun, the Yoruba deity associated with iron, war and creativity, and attracted traditional rulers, dignitaries, indigenes, tourists and Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to a statement, Seaman’s Schnapps served as the lead sponsor and official prayer drink at the festival, which featured traditional prayers, drumming, carnivals, cultural displays and community competitions.

On the eve of the grand finale, the Seaman’s Schnapps team visited the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, presenting him with an honorarium and a specially commissioned portrait as a gesture of respect for the traditional institution and the Ondo heritage.

The brand also organised an Ayo Olopon competition at Odo Ajomu, drawing participants and spectators while promoting the traditional board game. Its Prayer Hut provided another point of engagement for festival-goers, while a branded media wall showcased its new 20cl product alongside the traditional 3cl offering.

The grand finale featured a cultural troupe supported by Seaman’s Schnapps, which performed traditional dances and eulogies around the Osemawe’s Palace. The brand also supported pounded yam and eating competitions, with winners receiving gifts.

Speaking at the festival, Senior Brand Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, said the celebration reflected the values associated with the brand.

“The Ogun Festival is a celebration of strength, creativity, and identity, values that are at the very heart of what Seaman’s Schnapps represents as Nigeria’s original prayer drink. We are honoured to stand with the Ekimogun people in preserving and promoting a heritage that belongs not only to Ondo but to all Nigerians,” Uche-Onyenacho said.

She added that the brand’s involvement went beyond commercial visibility and sponsorship.

“Our presence here is not about a logo on a banner. It is about being part of a living culture and helping to preserve and pass it on to future generations,” she said.

Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, Gbemileke Lawal, said the company’s continued support for the Ekimogun Festival and other cultural celebrations reflected its commitment to treating Nigerian culture as a living expression of national identity.

The Osemawe called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to preserve indigenous heritage, while urging state and local authorities to support and institutionalise local festivals to boost tourism and cultural development.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, described the festival as a symbol of the identity and values of the Ondo people, while palace spokesperson, Chief Wole Benson, said Ondo City embraced a carnival atmosphere throughout the celebration.

Seaman’s Schnapps said its continued support for cultural festivals formed part of its broader effort to promote authentic Nigerian culture and encourage younger generations to embrace their heritage.