The prestigious annual Onitsha Ofala Festival, hosted by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, and endorsed as a major Nigerian festival by the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), is set to begin on October 17.

The organisers restated the festival’s importance in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, stressing that it is focused on expanding visibility and attracting a diverse audience, while securing strategic partnerships to preserve and promote Ofala’s cultural significance globally.

Chairman, Strategic Marketing Communications Sub-Committee for the 2025 Ofala Festival, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, told reporters that the theme of this year’s event, titled ‘Njiko na Ntachi’ (Unity and Perseverance), would emphasise the importance of community and resilience among the people.

Maduegbuna further stated that the theme reflects the Monarch’s message of hope and forbearance despite the country’s prevailing hardship.

He added that the event is aimed at promoting unity, resilience, and communal values that enrich communities, stressing that it is a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Onicha Ado N’Idu kingdom that would witness royal dances, tributes, parades, and music, among others.

“The purpose of the Ofala is twofold — it marks the Obi’s successful negotiation of the kingdom’s fortunes during seclusion and commemorates the discovery of yams as a food source.

“Since 2019, we have been pursuing key objectives to elevate the Ofala Festival to a major cultural event in Nigeria, West Africa, and globally. The Ofala Festival is a significant cultural event not just in Onitsha but in Nigeria and potentially internationally.
“Based on this, various commissions have come to the Ofala, and the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission has endorsed the festival as a major Nigerian festival,” he said.

He continued, “The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has awarded the Ofala a certificate of recognition for excellence,” adding that, “As I speak, Ofala is processing an application to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for recognition as a world heritage event.”

Speaking further, he stated that this year’s festival “promises to be an exciting experience, with a range of traditional and modern activities.

“We aim to foster unity, promote resilience, and uphold enduring communal values that define our community. The 2025 Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala are scheduled for Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, respectively.”

He explained that the Ofala Festival celebrates the Obi’s successful stewardship following a period of seclusion, as well as commemorates the discovery of yams as a staple food.

Maduegbuna added that the two-day event — Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala — serves as the highlight of the celebration, showcasing the monarch’s parade and dance alongside vibrant performances by age-grade groups in traditional regalia.

He also assured that this year’s edition would offer a rich blend of traditional and contemporary activities, adding that security agencies had been mobilised to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors throughout the festival.