By Otito Ololade, JKNewsMedia Intern
REAFFIRMING ITS deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation, Globacom company said it has delivered another impressive sponsorship showing at this year’s Ofala Festival in Onitsha.
The colourful annual celebration, held at the Ime Obi, drew thousands of guests and traditional enthusiasts to witness one of Nigeria’s most prominent royal and cultural spectacles.
The festival, which comprised the Iru Ofala on Friday and the Azu Ofala on Saturday, marked the continuation of a revered heritage that unites the people of Onitsha.
The Iru Ofala signified the Obi’s first public appearance after weeks spent in spiritual retreat and communion with the ancestors in prayers for the prosperity of the land.
The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, made a majestic entrance adorned in regal traditional attire, performing the symbolic royal dance around the Ime Obi.
The ceremony, steeped in deep cultural significance, represented his readiness to lead his people into a new year of blessings and renewed hope.
Chiefs, titled men, subjects, and distinguished visitors paid homage to the monarch, reaffirming their loyalty and unity under the royal institution.
Among those who honoured the Obi at the event were the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; former Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; and Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika.
In his address, the Obi expressed profound appreciation to Globacom for its consistent support of the Ofala Festival over the past fourteen years.
“We thank them for believing in us, and I trust that the mutual benefit that we all derive from the festival will continue to prevail,” he said. His remarks underscored the enduring partnership between the telecom giant and the Onitsha kingdom in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The Azu Ofala, which traditionally marks the festival’s grand finale, was a celebration of thanksgiving, communal joy, and cultural continuity. The Obi appeared in lighter festive robes, reflecting the season’s spirit of joy and abundance.
Dignitaries, visitors, and cultural enthusiasts conveyed goodwill messages to the royal household, while Globacom, as official sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s arts and culture.
This year’s festival also featured the conclusion of the special Ofala Festival promo organised by Globacom to reward the loyalty of its customers in the Onitsha region.
The promo, which ran for four weeks before the festival, culminated in the presentation of prizes to winners during the Azu Ofala celebration.
Globacom’s representative at the event, Tochukwu Okechukwu, joined Onitsha royal chief, Chief Albert Ibekwe, the Odu Osodi, to present prizes to winners, including a brand-new Kia Picanto, two tricycles (popularly called Keke), power generating sets, and grinding machines.
The presentation segment added a modern celebratory touch to the traditional proceedings, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
The brand-new Kia Picanto was won by Chidinma Esther Obi, a businesswoman from the 33 area of Onitsha, who expressed excitement and gratitude as she received her car keys amid cheers from the audience.
The tricycles were won by Ibeziakor Onyebuchi Anthony and Ejike Chiememma Gloria, while several others went home with essential household equipment and small business tools.
