OFALA 2026: ONITSHA ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME FOR FESTIVAL – IGBA MBO, IGA N’IRU: STRIVE AND ADVANCE
Onitsha, 5 October 2026 – The Ofala Steering Committee has announced the official programme of events for the 25th Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha.
This year’s festival, themed Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru – Strive, and Advance | From Resilience to Progress, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Ofala from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for collective progress for Ndi Onicha.
The 2026 Festival is proudly supported by Globacom and Orijin as Official Sponsors, and Arise News, THISDAY, Afia TV, Afia Radio, and Udala FM as Official Media Partners.
The Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha, said the 2026 theme builds on last year’s Njiko na Ntachi – Unity and Resilience.
“For over 500 years, Ndi Onicha have shown igba mbo_ – resilience. Through every challenge we endured, adapted, and rose again. In 2026, we move forward to iga n’iru – deliberate progress. This is our charge: strive in your craft, advance your community. Let personal effort build our Kingdom,” Chief Areh said.
THE 2026 OFALA PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS:
INYE UKWU N’NLO EZE ONICHA
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – The annual seclusion of the Obi of Onitsha — the most sacred and private moment in the Ofala ceremonial cycle. For the following native week: Oye, Afor, Nkwo, and Eke, the monarch is incommunicado as he negotiates the fortunes of the kingdom with the ancestors.[Eke]
OGBALIDO
Saturday, October 10, 2026 – A feast of atonement for brave men, particularly Ndichie and big game hunters. It signals the final countdown to Ofala and is the formal announcement of public festivities.[Nkwo]
INYEPU UKWU N’NLO EZE ONICHA
Sunday, October 11, 2026 – The Obi’s ceremonial emergence from spiritual seclusion after successfully negotiating the fortunes of the kingdom. This sacred rite marks the end of the Umato period and the Obi’s return to his people.[Eke]
MEDICAL, HEALTH AND WELLBEING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Monday, October 12 – Thursday, October 15, 2026 – A community-focused health initiative offering medical screenings, health education, and wellbeing services.
OREZE ART EXHIBITION
Tuesday, October 13 – Sunday, October 18, 2026 – An international art exhibition showcasing contemporary and traditional works. Oreze positions Onitsha as a hub for culture, creativity, and dialogue.
YOUTH CARNIVAL
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – A vibrant celebration of music, dance, fashion, and talent by Onitsha youth, drawing from the traditional igbo ilo.
IRU OFALA
Friday, October 16, 2026 – The highpoint of the Ofala Festival. The Obi makes his first public appearance after seclusion, blesses his people, receives homage, and declares the theme: igba mbo, iga n’iru_.[Oye]
AZU OFALA
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – The second day of the grand public celebration, featuring continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades, and community engagement at Ime Obi.[Afor]
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – A special interdenominational service of gratitude to God for the life of the Obi, the peace of Onitsha, and a successful festival. This will be held at Bishop Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Egerton road, Onitsha
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
Media accreditation for Ofala 2026 runs from 3rd to 10th October, 2026. All media practitioners wishing to cover the festival are required to apply via: https://ofala.org/press-accreditation/
Only accredited media will be granted access to designated media areas
On the festival identity, Chief Areh added: “Our logo reflects this journey: the swords of authority and continuity, the beads of identity and honour, and the royal proclamation at its centre. It is a heritage that is not static, but in motion – rooted in royalty, built on resilience, moving toward progress.”
“We thank our sponsors Globacom and Orijin, and our media partners Arise News, Afia TV, Afia Radio and Udala FM for joining us to amplify the story of Onitsha to Nigeria and the world.”
“From resilience we have come. To progress, we now advance. Ofala 2026. Strive, and Advance.”
Issued by:
Ofala Strategic Marketing & Communications Team
On behalf of the Ofala Steering Committee
Media Contact: media@ofala.org