2024 Ofala Celebrating Courage,Perseverance, and Self-Reliance
2024 Ofala: Celebrating Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance
– Arrangements are in Full Gear for the Festival
Onitsha, September 23, 2024: “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance” (Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe) is the theme of the 2024 Ofala Festival of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, scheduled to take place on October 18 and October 19, 2024. This theme reflects the monarch’s message of hope and resilience amidst the prevailing hardships in the country.
Chief Dr. Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha and Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, observed that, “The theme resonates deeply with our people’s resolve to overcome adversity. As we navigate the challenges of our time, we draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of our ancestors. The 2024 Ofala Eze Onicha is a call to action, urging us to tap into our inner strength, our collective resilience, and our unwavering commitment to one another.” He added, “We are proud to showcase our rich cultural heritage, promote unity, and invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 2024 Ofala.”
On behalf of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Dr. Okechukwu Mike Areh expressed gratitude to the esteemed sponsors of the festival, Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc (Hero Beer), for their continued support.
According to Globacom, “We are proud to once again partner with the Ofala Steering Committee to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The Ofala is a celebration of our nation’s diversity and resilience, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Similarly, the Marketing Director of International Breweries Plc, manufacturer of Hero Lager, Mr. Bamise Oyegbami, stated, “At International Breweries Plc, we believe in the sustenance of culture and tradition as ways of uniting and inspiring our communities. We are delighted to support the 2024 Ofala and celebrate the courage, perseverance, and self-reliance of the Nigerian people.”
In line with the usual practice, the Ofala will include two days of the festival proper along with ancillary traditional rites and other events. These events will kick off on October 8 with the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations/Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture. Professor Pat Utomi will speak on “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach.”
Additionally, the tenth edition of the international art exhibition (Oreze X) will run from October 16 to October 21. A new addition this year is a medical, health, and wellbeing community outreach that will be carried out throughout the festival. However, the Ofala Youth Carnival, organized by the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), will not hold this year in honor of Kpajie Barrister Ernest A.B.K Offiah, the murdered leader of the OYC and the driving spirit behind the carnival.
The Ofala Festival has received both national and international recognition, including an endorsement from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
About the Ofala
Rooted in deep spirituality, the Ofala is an occasion for the monarch to fulfill certain obligations. It is primarily a celebration of the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which time the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. The festival also reenacts the joy shared by the monarch and his subjects upon discovering that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food.
Media Contact
Tony Nezianya
Editorial Publicity Lead, Ofala Steering Committee
Email: tonynezianya@gmail.com
Phone: +234 803 303 4910
Accreditation
Journalists and photographers interested in covering the Ofala events are required to register via media@ofala.org.
The accreditation portal will open on Monday, September 23, 2024, and close on Sunday, October 7, 2024.
4o