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Tag: Ofala Festival

  • Glo plans big for Ofala festival

    Glo plans big for Ofala festival

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    Nigeria’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, will sponsor next month’s Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the firm announced yesterday.

    The annual Ofala festival is a customary obligation performed by the Obi of Onitsha.

    This year’s edition to be celebrated by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe will hold for two days – Iru Ofala on October 17 and the Azu Ofala the following day.

    Globacom, the main sponsor of the Ofala festival, said at a press conference held at Ime Obi, Obi’s Palace, Onitsha, by the Ofala Festival Organising Committee that it had been backing the event since 2011 because of its faith in the nation’s huge cultural heritage and its potential to create employment and boost revenue generation. The company restated its commitment to take the festival to a global stage and reckon.

    “In 2025, Nigeria’s tourism sector is projected to contribute N11.2 trillion to GDP, up from about N10.9 trillion in 2024. Domestic tourism expenditure is also expected to be around N6.1 trillion, while international visitor spending is forecast at about N803.2 billion. These figures show not only recovery from the disruptions of recent years, but strong growth. They underscore a simple truth: culture and tourism are not luxuries, they are vital to our economy, our identity, and our future.

    “Globacom is committed to pushing that future forward. Our support for Ofala is part of a broader belief that investment in culture yields returns beyond the balance sheet. It builds communities, jobs, local businesses, pride,” Globacom noted.

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    The company also explained that the sponsorship of this year’s Ofala festival is coming with concrete initiatives to make it a special delight for its customers. “We are packaging a special promotion for our subscribers with prizes such as a brand new car, tricycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines, so that empowerment is tangible. We are also continuing aggressive roll-out and upgrade of network infrastructure across Nigeria, in particular to 4G-LTE in zones like the South East, so that all our subscribers will enjoy enhanced experience on the network on both voice and data services.

    Globacom also highlighted the two offerings it unveiled on Monday to give more value to its subscribers: The first is the Talkmasta plan designed to provide customers with extra talk time and data at no additional cost, while the second one is the Welcome Bonus which gives new subscribers unmatched benefits for joining the Glo community.

    The Chairman of the Ofala Strategic Marketing and Communications Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, explained that this year’s Ofala would start with the annual lecture series on October 7 and continue with Oreze Art Exhibition, a showcase of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics featuring works by Nigerian and African artists, Ofala Youth Carnival on October 15, Medical, Health, and Wellbeing Community Outreach, Iru Ofala on October 17, Azu Ofala on October 18, and a Royal Banquet to be hosted in honour of Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe on October 22.

    He assured those planning to attend the festival that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a spectacular event as well as the security and comfort of all the visitors. The press conference was attended by senior palace chiefs and members of the organising committee

    Glo’s Innov8 STEM competition

    In honour of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, Glo Foundation, is investing millions to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among girls in Nigeria.

    Towards this end, the foundation is launching the ‘Glo Innov8’ National STEM Competition for Girls in Senior Secondary Schools, with a prize of N5 million, to be won by the top performing schools.

    The competition is designed to give young women the confidence and knowledge to compete, innovate and succeed in STEM as well as boost their confidence and knowledge.

    A statement from the foundation explained that “it is our modest way at Glo Foundation of celebrating and encouraging the girl child to focus more on the studies of STEM subjects and pursue careers in these areas in future so as to become problem solvers for the country,” the foundation added.

    The top school with the best idea will receive a prize of N2,000,000, along with a laptop for each of the two students representing the school. The teacher or mentor for the winning team will also receive a N200,000 prize. The second and third-place schools will be awarded consolation prizes.

    Registration for the competition, which began on Monday, September 15, is open to all senior secondary schools in Nigeria and will conclude on October 5. To register for a chance to win, all that secondary schools have to do is visit https://glo-foundation.com/glo-innov8/ and fill the form, to STEM their way to N5,000,000.

  • Ofala Festival: The catalyst for socio-economic growth of Onitsha

    Ofala Festival: The catalyst for socio-economic growth of Onitsha

    The annual Ofala Festival holding in Onitsha, Anambra State has grown in scope and recognition, incorporating international art exhibitions, lecture series, medical outreach and the youth carnival. This year, it will hold between October 17 and 18 with the theme Njiko na Ntachi (Unity and Perseverance). It has received endorsements from Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and a certificate of recognition for excellence in culture from United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO). In a chat with OZOLUA UHAKHEME, the Strategic Marketing and Communications Lead, Ofala Steering Committee, Mr. Nn’emeka Maduegbuna speaks on how the festival has become a big boost to local commerce with about N1 billion circulating through festival-related activities, how it fosters unity and sense of belonging, as well as serves as platform for heritage promotion and sustenance.

    With this year, the festival will be running for about six editions or more. What is the journey like since its maiden edition and the acceptability by the citizens till now?

    The Ofala Festival is indigenous to Onitsha, and it goes back to the founding of the town in the 16th century and is the highpoint of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle.  Rooted in deep spirituality, it usually falls due early to mid-October and is an occasion for the monarch to fulfill certain obligations. Ofala is essentially a celebration by the monarch and his subjects of the monarch’s inyepu ukwu na nlo eze (emergence from annual spiritual seclusion) during which period the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. Ofala is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food. 

    The Ofala runs over two days. The first day, Iru ofala, is primarily for the monarch. It is attended by the Ndichie (redcap chiefs) and the monarch wearing his full regalia parades the arena of his palace on three different occasions, in full view of all present, and dances to the war drums. The second day Azu ofala is an elaborate display by the monarch’s subjects usually made up of age grade societies in their very colourful uniforms. Each society dances past the throne paying homage to the monarch.

    Beyond heritage promotion and sustenance, how has Ofala festival impacted the socio-economic well-being of an average Onitsha person?

    The growing popularity of Ofala Onicha also brings tangible social and economic benefits. Increased attendance translates into boosted local commerce, with nearly ₦1 billion circulating through festival-related activities. This direct investment benefits local traders, caterers, fashion designers, hoteliers, transporters, and other small businesses that support various festival stages.

    Participants and groups typically don elaborate and beautifully crafted attires. Age grades and dance troupes wear coordinated outfits, often commissioning new designs for the occasion. The Ndichie, Agbalanze and Otu Odu also invest in traditional regalias, creating substantial business opportunities for local tailors and designers. Food and drink expenditures for guests and performers provide additional income for local service providers. While these economic benefits may be subtle to the casual observer, they represent a vital revenue stream for the community.

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    The rise in business also drives employment, leading to broader social improvements such as reduced crime rates and enhanced quality of life. Beyond direct festival spending, there is also a sustained effort to develop and support young entrepreneurs and micro-businesses in the community through training and financing. Throughout the year, programmes supporting youth, women, and entrepreneurs including training, financing, and cultural events like the Golibe Festival are facilitated by the Onitsha Development Fund and other stakeholders, sustaining the festival’s socio-economic momentum.

    What level of inclusiveness has the festival achieved among women and youths?

    The entire community cutting across positions, age and gender is involved in the festival and has roles to play. This is also evident in the ceremonies preceding the Ofala. The Owuwaji (eating of new yam) is celebrated by all sections of the community. The monarch’s diviners prepare him for inye ukwu na nlo (annual spiritual seclusion). Whilst he is secluded, Ogbalido (feast of atonement) by brave men including ndichie takes place during which these warlords rejuvenate themselves. It is also an opportunity for the three senior ndichie to review the chiefs under their command. The women are quite active in the Ofala, their culinary activities, the display by the elite Otu Odu titled women, and their very visible role within the age grade societies that are a prominent feature of Azu Ofala, which is the second day. Ofala Youth carnival, which has evolved from the traditional early morning igba ilo Ofala, a round the town youth procession is designed to create awareness for the Ofala has become a major component of the Ofala.

    What makes this year’s edition unique?

    By its very nature, every Ofala is unique arising from the essence of the festival and the colourful display that characterises it. With these as a pedestal, we choose a theme for each year. Njiko na Ntachi (Unity and Perseverance), which is the theme for the 2025 Ofala Festival, serves as a reminder of the importance of community and resilience. By embracing this theme, the festival aims to: Foster Unity: Encourage individuals to come together, promoting a sense of belonging and purpose.

  • Ofala Festival to begin tomorrow in Onitsha

    Ofala Festival to begin tomorrow in Onitsha

    This year’s edition of the annual Ofala Festival, with the theme: Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance (Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe), will start tomorrow in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The theme reflects the Igwe’s message of hope and resilience amidst prevailing hardships in the country.

    The festival, which celebrates the best of African culture and sponsored by digital solutions provider, Globacom, will hold at Ime Obi, the palace of Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the traditional ruler of the kingdom.

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    In a statement in Lagos, Globacom said: “The festival’s first day, known as Iru Ofala, takes place on Friday, followed by Azu Ofala, on Saturday, October 19, while the annual Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of Igwe Achebe comes up at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.”

    The prominent traditional festival in Southeastern Nigeria marks the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, where he successfully negotiates the kingdom’s fortunes.

    “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,” Globacom added.