The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, is set to inspire with a message of hope and resilience at this year’s Ofala Festival, themed “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance.” The prestigious event will gather attendees from within and outside Nigeria to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Onitsha Kingdom.
Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Mike Areh, emphasized that the theme reflects the community’s determination to overcome current challenges. “The 2024 Ofala Eze Onicha urges us to draw strength from our cultural roots and remain committed to one another,” he stated.
This year’s festival is supported by major sponsors, including Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc (Hero Beer). Both companies expressed pride in being part of the celebration. Globacom highlighted the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s diverse culture, while International Breweries emphasized the role of tradition in uniting communities.
In addition to the traditional ceremonies, the 2024 Ofala Festival will feature the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations/Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture, delivered by Professor Pat Utomi. The event will also include the tenth edition of the international art exhibition, Oreze X, and a new medical and health outreach initiative.
However, the Ofala Youth Carnival will not take place this year out of respect for the late leader of the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), Barrister Ernest Offiah. The Ofala Festival continues to gain national and international recognition, having received accolades from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Rooted in deep spirituality, the Ofala remains a key occasion for the monarch to fulfill traditional obligations, this marks an annual moment of joy and unity between the ruler and his subjects.
