Group picture of high Chiefs during the briefing
By Chinwe Nwacha, Onitsha
Arrangements are in top gear for the celebration of the 2023 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, billed for October 14 and 15, that will be held in his Palace along Awka road, Onitsha.
Briefing newsmen on the preparedness for the Ofala, Igwe Achebe said that Ofala was an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they displayed 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," said the monarch.
The Monarch who was ably represented by the chairman of sub committee of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, added that the Ofala festival would last for two days.
"First day is the Ofala proper, (Iru Ofala), which is Saturday, while the second day, (Azu Ofala), that is Sunday. The theme of this year's Ofala is, 'Bether , Stronger and Together," he stated.
Among the activities lined up for the celebration include, lecture at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, that will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Felis Ajakaye, road show to sensitise people on the Ofala, among others.
Among the sponsors of the Ofala festival are, Globacom and Nigeria Breweries that produce Hero beer, according to the monarch.
In their respective speeches, the representatives of Globacom, Offor Augustus Ndu and Nigeria Breweries, Olise Rufus, marketing manager, Southeast/South South, described the Ofala as a period of show casing the rich cultural heritage of the people.