BY PHIL OKOSE, ONITSHA
Arrangements are in top gear for the celebration of the 2023 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
The festival is scheduled to hold between October 14 and 15, at the respected first- class monarch’s Palace along Awka road in Onitsha.
Briefing newsmen on the preparedness for the Ofala, Igwe Achebe noted that the event is an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they display their rich cultural heritage.
“The Ofala is the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.
“It is also a reenactment of the joy, which the monarch shares with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food,” the Obi said.
Represented by Chief Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, the Obi revealed that the first day is the Ofala proper, (Iru Ofala), while the second day, Sunday will be for (Azu Ofala).
He disclosed that the theme of this year’s Ofala is “Better , Stronger and Together.”
Among the activities lined up for the celebration include a lecture at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka which will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Felis Ajakaye.
Others include a road show to sensitise the people on the Ofala, among others events.
Sponsors of this year’s Ofala festival comprise, Globacom and Nigeria Breweries Plc,.
Representatives of Globacom and Nigeria Breweries Plc, Offor Augustus Ndu and Olise Rufus were present at the briefing.
