David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The traditional ruler of Onitsha Ancient Kingdom, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has said the kingdom has started preparation for its annual Ofala festival, which would hold in October.
The monarch, who was represented by the Chairman, Ofala Strategic, Marketing and Communications sub-committee, Mr. Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, stated this during a press conference addressed alongside officials of the sponsors of the event, Globacom and International Breweries; makers of Hero Beer.
Maduegbuna, who unveiled activities to herald this year’s event said the committee and her sponsors were ready to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha, which has over the years caused the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), to endorse it as a major Nigerian festival.
“The annual Ofala has grown steadily over the years in terms of its scope, social glamour, and intrinsic meaning for us Ndi Onicha.
“An international art exhibition, a youths’ carnival, a marathon and a post-Ofala banquet have enhanced the content and attractiveness of the festival.
“A lecture series will be introduced this year. With the strides that the Ofala has made, it continues to receive both national and international recognition.
“The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has endorsed the Onitsha Ofala Festival as a major Nigerian festival and issued a specific mandate in its support.
“The Ofala has also received a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This is in recognition of its corporate contribution to the development of culture.
“We believe we are on course to achieving the objectives of the Ofala attracting considerable national, West African, and international attention, and attaining the status of a major event in the Nigerian cultural/tourism calendar, by extension in the West African.
“Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc are the official sponsors of the Ofala. Globacom has been partnering with the Onitsha Traditional Council since 2011. Our partnership with International Breweries goes back to 2012 when the then Intafact Beverages Limited commenced brewing Hero Larger here in Onitsha.
“The relationship these bodies have had with the Onitsha community has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of the Ofala,” Maduegbuna stated.
