Obi of Onitsha set to celebrate 2025 Ofala festival

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Arrangements are in top gear for the 2025 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra state, HRM, Igwe Alfred  Nnaemeka Achebe, billed to be held on 17th and 18th October this year at Ime Obi Onicha, Ezechima Square, Onitsha.

Addressing newsmen on the preparedness for the Ofala festival, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman, Strategic Marketing and Communications Subcommittee, said that the Ofala 2025 Festival, was a significant cultural event not just in Onitsha, but in Nigeria, and potentially international.

“The Ofala Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Onicha Ado N’Idu kingdom, showcasing royal dances, tributes, parades, and music. 

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 yam as a food source.

” The Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala which span two days are the highpoints featuring the monarch’s parade and dance, as well as elaborate displays by age-grade societies in colorful uniforms.

“This year’s festival promises to be an exciting experience, with a range of traditional and modern activities. Our theme for 2025, “Njiko na Ntachi,” , Unity and Perseverance emphasizes the importance of community and resilience.

“We aim to foster unity, promote resilience, and uphold enduring communal values that define our community.

The 2025 Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala is scheduled for Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, respectively.

However, the festival activities commences on October 7 till November 2, 2025,” he stated.

According to Maduegbuna other events include, Ofala Lecture Series, an annual lecture series named after Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, recognizing his contributions to public relations.Oreze Art exhibition, a showcase of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics featuring works by Nigerian and African artists.

He disclosed further that Ofala Youth Carnival, is a colorful street funfair showcasing Onitsha’s cultural heritage that will include, Medical, Health, and Wellbeing Community Outreach, a series of events promoting health and wellbeing in the community.

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Maduegbuna added that there  will be Ofala thanksgiving Service in honour of the success of the festival and the monarch’s reign.