Globacom, a leading telecommunications company in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural heritage by announcing its sponsorship of the 2024 Ofala Festival, a prominent traditional celebration in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a press release issued in Lagos on Wednesday, Globacom revealed that the festival’s opening ceremony, known as Iru Ofala, will take place on Friday at the Ime Obi, the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. This will be followed by Azu Ofala, scheduled for Saturday, October 19.
As part of its sponsorship, Globacom will also host a Royal Banquet in honor of the Onitsha monarch on Wednesday, October 23, at the Ime Obi. The festival, widely regarded as the largest cultural celebration in Nigeria’s South East, marks the Igwe’s annual emergence from seclusion—a period during which he engages in traditional rites to secure the kingdom’s fortunes for the coming year.
The theme for this year’s festival, “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance” (Onye kwe, Chi’e), reflects the monarch’s message of hope and resilience amid current economic challenges in Nigeria.
Expressing their pride in the continued partnership, Globacom 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.”
The Ofala Festival remains a significant cultural event, drawing attention to the enduring traditions of the Onitsha people while also promoting unity and national pride.
