The Ancient kingdom of Onitsha rolled out their drums to celebrate this year’s of Ofala festival in a grand Style.

 

The ceremony which marks the 21st of Ofala festival of the traditional ruler of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe was held at Imeobi, Awka Road Onitsha.

Staff Reporter Emengini Osadebe who covered the event reports that the event was sponsored by the first indigenous telecommunication network globalcom Limited.

 

Ofala Onitsha 2023 celebration has it’s theme as better, stronger, together.

the traditional ruler of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe expressed gratitude to God for another year of celebration and same to all the sponsors of the festival especially Globalcom Limited that has been the major sponsor of the event expressing optimism that the partnership will grow and become a model for other communities.

 

Igwe Achebe who enumerated various achievements recorded in onitsha so far, appreciated Onitsha founding fathers who have given Onitsha Ado n’idu its origin and pledged that the community will continue to uphold the fundamental norms and practices bequeathed on them.

Speaking to the ABS in there separate interviews various traditional rulers that Grace occasion which include the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, his Aguleri counterpart Igwe George Ekwealor and that of Akwaeze community Igwe Christopher Okpala felicitated with Igwe Achebe on his 21st of Ofala festival and prayed God to Grant him long life and progress in onitsha.

 

One of Ndichie Onitsha Chief Chuma Umunna said Ofala Onitsha Festival is aimed at celebrating the coming out of the Agbogidi from seclusion to meet his subjects and also to thank the god of the land for bountiful harvest, commending globalcom limited for being ng the big sponsor of the festival for over ten years now expressing hope that the partnership will continue.

Also speaking the bishop on the Niger Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo who was presented by the Chancellor of the diocese, Kpajie Nnamdi Ibegbue and a Representative of the Ecclesiastical Archbishop Catholic Diocese Reverend Father Chukwudi Ogwuama who is the Parish Priest of St Jude Catholic Church Fegge Onitsha said they have come to pay homage to the king and celebrate with him adding that Onitsha people are known for their hospitality and accommodating nature and prayed for Peace and progress in Onitsha while praying God to Grant the king more wisdom.

 

The sponsor of the Ofala festival Globalcom Limited represented by the south-south, south-east Retail Chief Mr Augustus Ofor described Ofala Onitsha has the biggest festival so far in the South-East saying that globacom is partnering with the ancient Kingdom to project the Ofala Festival to the whole world as well as bring Globcom brand closer to the people so they can also benefit from their numerous packages.

 

Others who spoke to the ABS include the wife of the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dame Uche Azikiwe, the President Agbalanze Society of Onitsha Ozoma Ogbo Okosi and the President Otuodu Society of Onitsha Enyi Floraor Osoka expressed gratitude to God for another successful Ofala festival and prayed God for more blessings peace and unity in Onitsha.

 

Highpoint of the festival is royal dance of Egwuota by Ndichie Onitsha and Igwe Achebe.