The 2026 Ofala Festival, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, has commenced in Onitsha, Anambra State, with a vibrant youth carnival that celebrated the town’s rich cultural heritage and paid homage to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
Organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC) on Wednesday, the carnival brought the streets of Inland Town alive with colour, music and traditional displays, setting an exciting tone for the series of activities lined up for the annual celebration.
The procession featured cultural groups such as Otu Odu Onitsha, Egwu Odu and Agbalanze, whose members adorned elaborate traditional attire and entertained spectators with energetic dances.
A major highlight was the appearance of young participants dressed to represent prominent traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife.
Their elaborate costumes and performances underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the role of younger generations in sustaining Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
Following the street procession, participants converged on the old Ime Obi along St. Stephen Anglican Church Road, Onitsha, for fashion parades and competitions among the participating groups.
The activities provided another platform for showcasing creativity, traditional fashion and community spirit, reinforcing the festival’s significance as a celebration of identity, heritage and unity.
The festival continues with the Iru Ofala on Friday, October 16, and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 17. Globacom will also host a Royal Banquet in honour of Igwe Achebe on Wednesday, October 21, at the Ime Obi, Onitsha.
The celebrations will conclude with an Ofala Thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 25, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.
Globacom stated that its partnership with Ofala reflects the company’s belief that cultural heritage and connectivity are both vital to national development.
According to the company, “Ofala is far more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration.
Our sustained partnership with this magnificent institution reflects our belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are not competing imperatives; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation.
This is the spirit of Globacom’s clarion call, ‘Never Settle for Less’, which is to honour what is worthy, while continually striving for something greater,” which encourages Nigerians to celebrate enduring values while striving for greater achievements.
