Glo-Sponsored Onitsha Ofala Festival Kicks Off Friday

Glo-Sponsored Onitsha Ofala Festival Kicks Off Friday

The annual Ofala Festival, a major cultural celebration in Onitsha, Anambra State, is set to begin on Friday, October 18. This year’s edition is once again sponsored by leading digital solutions provider, Globacom.

The Ofala Festival, considered the largest traditional festival in Southeastern Nigeria, serves as a platform for the monarch, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, to perform cultural rites and celebrate his annual emergence from seclusion. During this period, the Igwe engages in spiritual reflection to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the kingdom.

As is customary, the festival will take place at the Ime Obi, the palace of the Onitsha traditional ruler. According to a press statement released by Globacom in Lagos, the first day of the festival, known as Iru Ofala, will kick off on Friday, while the concluding ceremony, Azu Ofala, is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.

The theme for the 2024 edition, *"Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance"* (Onye kwe, Chi'e ekwe), underscores the monarch's message of hope and resilience in the face of economic challenges in Nigeria.

Globacom expressed its continued support for the festival, stating, “We are proud to once again partner with the Ofala Steering Committee to showcase Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. The Ofala is a celebration of our nation's diversity and resilience, and we are honoured to be a part of it.”

As part of the festivities, Globacom will host a Royal Banquet in honour of Igwe Achebe at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.

The Ofala Festival is expected to attract thousands of participants, including visitors from across the country, eager to witness the vibrant display of Igbo culture and tradition.