Onitsha Ofala Festival celebrates monarch's silver jubilee

The Onitsha community is celebrating the annual Ofala Festival, which this year includes the silver jubilee of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, marking 25 years of his reign.

The festival, which honors a kingdom with over 500 years of history, features traditional protocols including the monarch appearing in full regalia accompanied by rhythmic drumming and traditional dances. The event serves as a period of cultural renewal and demonstrates the historical continuity of the Onitsha people.

To conclude the 2026 celebrations, Globacom hosted a royal banquet in honor of Igwe Achebe. The event was attended by the monarch, his cabinet, and various trade partners. During the festivities, Globacom awarded cash prizes and trophies to various Onitsha age grades to recognize their participation and communal solidarity in the festival competitions.