By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The 2023 Onitsha Ofala Festival Steering Committee, has assured that adequate security would be provided during this year’s festival.
Also, more than 100 artists are to take part in the Art Exhibition while there will be a lecture series and other well-packaged events designed to celebrate the 21st coronation anniversary (Ofala Festival) of the Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi).
The artists are to be drawn from the five states of the South East geo-political zone and they are expected to present artworks showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo and Onitsha in particular.
Chairman of Ofala Strategic Marketing and Communication sub-Committee, Chief Nnaemeka Maduegbunam, stated this during a press conference held at the palace of the Obi of Onitsha HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe held in Onitsha the commercial town of Anambra’ State.
He disclosed that the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt Rev Felix Demi Ajakaye will deliver the year’s Ofala annual lecture series slated to be held at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University at Igbariam.
He said that the organizing Committee of the Ofala Festival are taking steps towards ensuring maximum security for all guests and citizens.
Maduegbunam said proper and adequate security would be provided to manage the crowd and ensure free flow of traffic control during the annual event.
He said that the Ofala Festival has increased in scope, dimensions and fame since 25 years ago when the current Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe ascended the throne.
Maduegbunam said the Ofala has gained national/international recognition, saying that the Nigerian Tourism Board has equally endorsed the festival.
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He said Igwe Achebe since his ascension to the throne has made giant strides and modernised the monarchy.
According to him, the theme of the festival is Better, Stronger and Together, adding that there is a need for all hands to be on the deck to ensure communal development and consolidation.
“In twenty-one years as Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe mni, CFR, Agbogidi, has made giant strides. These find expressions in several areas. They include a modernised and revitalised monarchy and a leadership the aura of which today radiates beyond Onitsha to Anambra State, the Southeast region, Nigeria and beyond.
“Furthermore, His Majesty has also articulated a vision for communal transformation hinged on a new value system for lifting the poor and most vulnerable in his domain from consumption and dependency to production and self-reliance. This vision is animated in the work of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) www.onaf.org,” he said.
“This year’s Ofala and the associated events will run over three weeks in October. Even though celebratory, cognisance has been taken of the prevailing economic situation in the country in planning the various events. We therefore have no alternative but to be restrained in the modalities for the 2023 Ofala.”
“The Ofala of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, mni, CFR, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha, which will be held here at Ime Obi Onitsha will span two days – Iru Ofala on Saturday, October 14 and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 15. The two ritual ceremonies leading directly to the Ofala, Inye ukwu na no Eze Onicha (spiritual retreat) and Ogbalido are scheduled for October 7 and October 10, respectively”.
“This has been recently introduced and is promoted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University. Named the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations / Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture, the maiden edition of the lecture series would be given by The Right Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese.
“He will be speaking on Traditional Institutions, Public Relations, and Good Governance in Contemporary Nigeria. The venue is Education Trust Fund. (ETF) Hall, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, and will commence at noon”.
For the first time on Monday, October 7, 2013, which was the eve of that year’s Ofala, the Oreze Art Exhibition is designed to provide exposure to a budding artist living and practising in the Southeast of Nigeria. Well over 100 artists resident in the southeast region have made their exhibition debuts at Oreze. The series is also an avenue for multi-talented and well-established artists from various parts of the world to exhibit their works. Oreze ix will close on October 16″
“There shall be a Youth carnival which is organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC) highlights the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha indigenes”
“Probably the biggest cultural street funfair in the Southeast region of Nigeria, it is a colourful moving train of various Onitsha cultural outfits and dances on the major streets of the metropolis. In the process, it provides entertainment for both the youth participants and the spectators that cut across various age categories. In addition, it ensures the sustainability of the customs and traditions of Onicha Ado N’Idu (Onitsha), by inculcating in the youths, a sense of pride and love for the heritage of their hometown
“This is organised by Globacom, one of our partners in honour of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, mni, CFR, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha” he added.
