Obi of Onitsha holds 2021 Ofala festival | File photo
Traditional ceremonies marking the buildup to the 2025 Ofala festival in Onitsha have begun.
This is as the south-eastern town prepares for its grand annual celebration themed ‘Njiko na Ntachi’ (Unity and Perseverance).
The pre-festival rituals include the Owuwaji (Yam festival), which opens the season of thanksgiving; the inye ukwu na nlo eze onicha, a spiritual retreat where the monarch enters seclusion to intercede for the kingdom; and the ogbalido (feast of atonement), held on the eve of the monarch’s public appearance.
According to a statement on Friday, the main Ofala celebrations will take place on October 17 and 18.
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The Iru Ofala, scheduled for October 17, is a royal day of grandeur and ceremony featuring the Obi of Onitsha and his chiefs, while Azu Ofala, on October 18, will see colourful parades by age grades and cultural groups paying homage to the monarch.
Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, chairman of the Ofala strategic marketing and communications subcommittee, said this year’s theme, ‘Njiko na Ntachi’, “emphasises the importance of unity and perseverance in our community”.
“We are excited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha through the Ofala Festival,” he added.
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“The Ofala Festival is a celebration of our history, our traditions, and our people. We invite everyone to join us and experience the vibrant culture of Onitsha.”
The organisers directed Nigerians to visit www.ofala.org or contact Ozonmma Tony Nezianya, media lead, strategic marketing and communications subcommittee, via [email protected], for more information.
