Obi of Onitsha to celebrate 2024 Ofala festival

All is now set for the 2024 Onitsha Ofala festival of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.

The Ofala is scheduled to take place between 18th and 19th October 2024.

This information was contained in a press release issued by the Ofala Steering Committee.

According to the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief Dr. Mike Okechukwu Areh (Onya Ozoma of Onitsha), the festival, themed “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance,” reflects the monarch’s message of hope and resilience amid the prevailing hardships in the country.

Chief Areh observed that the theme of the Ofala festival resonates deeply with the indigenes’ resolve to overcome adversity.

“As we navigate the challenges of our time, we draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of our ancestors. The 2024 Ofala Eze Onicha is a call to action, urging us to tap into our inner strength, collective resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another.

“We are proud to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote unity among our people. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 2024 Ofala,” he added.

On behalf of the steering committee, he expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors of the Ofala festival, Globacom Limited and International Breweries PLC (brewers of Hero beer) for their continuous support.

According to the press release, the events of the Ofala will kick off on 8th October with the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations/Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture.

Prof. Pat Utomi will speak on the topic “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach.”

The tenth edition of the international art exhibition (Oreze) will commence from 16th to 21st October. Regrettably, the usual youth carnival organized by the Onitsha Youth Council will not be held as a mark of respect for the murdered OYC leader, Bar. Ernest A.B.K. Ofiah.

This year, a medical, health, and wellbeing community outreach will be introduced and will run throughout the festival.

In her remarks, Globacom in a statement stated, “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 honored to be a part of it.”

In a similar vein, the Marketing Director of International Breweries Plc, the manufacturer of Hero Lager, Mr. Bamise Oyegbami, stated, “At International Breweries Plc, we believe in the sustenance of culture and tradition as ways of uniting and inspiring our communities. We are delighted to support the 2024 Ofala and celebrate the courage, perseverance, and self-reliance of the Nigerian people.”

The Ofala, rooted in deep spirituality, is an occasion for the monarch to fulfill certain obligations. It primarily celebrates the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which he has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.

The Ofala also reenacts the joy shared between the monarch and his subjects upon the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food.

The Ofala has received national and international recognition, including endorsement from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

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