Onitsha Monarch, Igwe Achebe Celebrates 17th Ofala Festival

THE traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has celebrated 17th Ofala Festival.

The epoch-making event which was sponsored by the first indigenous mobile communication network Globacom Nigeria Limited was held at Ime Obi Awka road Onitsha.

The 2018 Ofala festival attracted people from all walks of life from different parts of the World.

Various traditional groups in Onitsha were all represented as they take turn to pay homage to their monarch.

Diplomats, government functionaries as well as traditional rulers of various communities in the state and beyond were also present.

Addressing the people, Igwe Achebe who expressed gratitude to various groups and organizations that graced the occasion, regretted that majority of Nigerians are wallowing in poverty which according to him was fuelled by growing unemployment among the youths which he said have increased rate of various social ills such as corruption, cultism, drug addiction, armed robbery among others and called for urgent action from the government to reverse the situation. He congratulated Governor Willie Obiano for his landslide victory in the governorship election adding that Obiano administration has restored people’s hope and confidence in governance.

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In his response, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, congratulated Igwe Achebe and Onitsha in general for the display of their rich cultural heritage and promised to continue to support the cultural heritage.

Governor Obiano appreciated Igwe Achebe for his dedication towards the development of youths in Onitsha urging it’s sustainability.

Speaking to Our correspondent in an interview, the Omorula of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesibokilade said he is proud and happy to be part of the event, adding that Igwe Achebe’s Ofala has turned into a global festival.

Also at the occasion, the member representing Onitsha North two constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ibuzo Obi said Ofala Onitsha has been a veritable way through which the people reaffirm their loyalty to their king and their support for the growth and development of the community and called on other communities to emulate the town.

The Oboliboja of Onitsha, Chief Emeka Osemenam, the President, Out Odu society of Onitsha, Enyi Ugobeze Florence Osoka and Akunwafor Okon Osemenam expressed joy and gratitude to God for a successful outing, adding that Igwe Achebe has brought a lot of innovations into the town which according to them has launched the town into the international community while praying for long life of the Igwe and Onitsha in general.