Paulina
The Ofala Festival, sponsored by Globacom, started with a youth carnival in Onitsha, Anambra State. Various cultural groups participated, showcasing the heritage of Onitsha and other Nigerian cultures. The festival will continue with the Iru Ofala and end with the Azu Ofala. It is a celebration of the Obi of Onitsha’s annual emergence from seclusion. Globacom will also host a royal banquet in honor of the king.
The renowned Ofala Festival, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, started on Friday, October 13, 2023 in Onitsha, Anambra State. It commenced with a youth carnival organized by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council.
The carnival featured various youth cultural groups including Agbalanze (Ozo title holders), Egbenuoba (warriors of Onitsha), Egwu Edo (girls dance group), Di Okpa (family heads), Omu (bearers of children), and Otu Odu (women title holders). They joyfully paraded the streets of Inland Town, Onitsha, celebrating the esteemed Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
The carnival also showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of Onitsha people and highlighted other Nigerian cultures. Dressed as representatives of Yorubas, Fulanis, Edos, Igalas, Ijaws, and more, the youth groups displayed the country’s diversity.
The festival will continue with the Iru Ofala today and conclude with the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 15.
This festival provides an opportunity for the monarch to fulfill certain responsibilities and primarily serves as a celebration with his subjects upon his annual emergence from seclusion.
In the meantime, Globacom will host a royal banquet on Tuesday, October 17, as a tribute to the king.
