By ADEMOLA TIJANI
Today is Ofala festival, Onitsha’s big, most colourful cultural festival east of the Niger. The long-awaited Ofala festival for this year is here.
And Onitsha is agog. Anambra is red. East is pulsating. Asaba is on the move across the Nigeria. The Bini delegation has arrived. All road leads to Onitsha this day of the great festival, to celebrate a new year and the earth’s bountiful blessings upon the land, King and the people. The Onitsha Ofala represents culture and tradition at their best.
Rooted in deep spirituality, the Ofala is an annual celebration where the monarch emerges from seclusion to fulfil traditional obligations. It also commemorates a historic event where the monarch and his subjects discovered that yam, a staple crop, was non-toxic and could serve as a valuable food source.
Usually held in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, who is today His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, this year’s edition is being held under the them, “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance” (Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe), reflecting the monarch’s message of hope and resilience in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges. It has been powered the ground-breaking Globacom telco for many years now.
Chief Dr. Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha and Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, stating that it resonates deeply with the people’s resolve to overcome adversity.
He explained, “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.” He also expressed pride in showcasing Onitsha’s rich cultural heritage and promoting unity among the people, inviting everyone to participate in the celebrations.
Chief Dr. Areh also acknowledged the festival’s key sponsors, Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc (Hero Beer), for their continuous support. Globacom commented on its partnership with 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.” Similarly, Mr. Bamise Oyegbami, Marketing Director of International Breweries Plc, said, “We believe in the sustenance of culture and tradition as ways of uniting and inspiring our communities, and we are delighted to support the 2024 Ofala.”
In addition to the main festival events, a series of activities commenced on October 8 with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations / Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture. This year’s lecture, delivered by Professor Pat Utomi, addressed the topic “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach.”
The tenth edition of the Oreze International Art Exhibition (Oreze X) will also run from October 16 to October 21, showcasing various works of art. A new feature this year is a Medical, Health, and Wellbeing Community Outreach, which will be available throughout the festival to benefit Onitsha residents.
However, the much-anticipated Ofala Youth Carnival, which is traditionally organized by the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), will not take place this year as a mark of respect for the late Kpajie Barrister Ernest A.B.K Offiah, the murdered leader of the OYC and a driving force behind the carnival.
The Ofala Festival has earned national and international recognition, including endorsements from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
