……Globacom, Zenith Bank Plc, International Breweries Plc, others pledge support
By Uzoma Nzeagwu
The Onitsha Community have declared that the Ofala Festival is aimed to foster unity, promote resilience, and uphold enduring communal values that define the community, insisting that the 2025 Ofala promises to be an exciting experience with many cultural activities.
The Chairman Strategic Marketing and Communications Subcommittee, of the 2025 Ofala Festival, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna stated this during the Onitsha Ofala 2025 Pre-festival press briefing held in Onitsha on weekend, which was attended by representatives of Globacom Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, International Breweries Plc, NigerBev Limited, Guinness Nigeria Plc and media partners.
According to Maduegbuna, the theme of the 2025 Ofala Festival, is “Njiko na Ntachi”, Unity and Perseverance, came at the right time which he said emphasizes the importance of community and resilience.
Highlighting some of the programs listed below including Ofala Lecture Series, an annual lecture series named after Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, in recognition of his contribution to public relations, just as there will be Oreze Art Exhibition, a showcase of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics featuring works by Nigerian and African artists, as well as Onitsha Youth Carnival.
Maduegbuna further said that the above programs were to acquaint the participants with events at the 2025 Ofala Festival, adding, “The Onitsha community in Anambra State, have taken key steps to elevate their yearly Ofala Festival since 2019 as a major cultural event in Nigeria and West Africa, adding that they are now taking it to the global world”.
“There is the Youth Carnival, a colorful Street funfair showcasing Onitsha’s cultural heritage, just as a Medical, Health and Wellbeing Community Outreach, a series of events promoting health and wellbeing in Onitsha”.
The Globacom team representatives, Mr Shola Mogaji, described the occasion as affirmation of culture and unity, adding that “while in Globacom we continues to embrace globalization and civilization, we must equally embrace Nigeria’s culture and traditions.
According to Mogaji, who led the team to the Ofala Briefing “Since 2011 when Globacom started sponsoring Ofala, we have ensured commerce, creativity and tourism. We agree with the potentials of our tourism sector, and we believe that culture and tourism are vital to our economy”.
“Culture and tradition builds community jobs and relationships. We intend to give out brand new vehicles in the forthcoming 2025 Ofala Festival of Onitsha.
“To the Obi Nnaemeka Achebe and the Royal chiefs we are telling you that Globacom will continue to reach where culture meets the people”.
The Zonal Head, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Obinna Eleanya, assured that the Bank will always work with the Onitsha community, as he declared, “Zenith Bank is happy to use the Ofala to strengthen its bond with the Onitsha community. We are happy to partner with Onitsha citizens”, adding that Ofala is a unique and recognized culture.
He added, “The Festival encourages citizens to excel in all areas of life ramifications, . . . it opens business enterprises aimed at improving lives of Anambra Citizens”, insisting that the bank will continue to partner with Onitsha people in its Unique and epic Ofala Festival.
