Onitsha Ofala aims for global recognition — 2025 Committee

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

Nnewi — The Onitsha assemblage successful Anambra State has revealed that it is taking deliberate steps to elevate its yearly Ofala Festival into a planetary taste event. Since 2019, the assemblage has worked to presumption Ofala arsenic 1 of Nigeria’s starring festivals, and it has present applied for designation arsenic a satellite practice lawsuit to grow its visibility and pull a wider planetary audience.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Strategic Marketing and Communications Subcommittee of the 2025 Ofala Festival, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, during a media briefing of the Ofala Steering Committee astatine Ime Obi Onocha Ezechima Square, Onitsha.

Maduegbuna noted that the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (NTDC) has already endorsed Ofala arsenic a large Nigerian festival. He said the 2025 edition, themed “Njiko na Ntachi” (Unity and Perseverance), emphasizes the values of community, resilience, and taste identity.

“The 2025 Ofala promises to beryllium an breathtaking acquisition with galore taste activities. We purpose to foster unity, beforehand resilience, and uphold the enduring values that specify our community,” helium stated.

Highlights of the festival see the Ofala Lecture Series, named aft Obi Nnaemeka Achebe successful designation of his contributions to nationalist relations; the Oreze Art Exhibition, showcasing works by Nigerian and African artists successful painting, sculpture, and ceramics; the Ofala Youth Carnival, a vibrant thoroughfare just celebrating Onitsha’s heritage; and a Medical, Health, and Wellbeing Outreach for the community.

The media briefing was attended by representatives of large sponsors and partners, including Globacom Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, International Breweries Plc, NigerBev Limited, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and respective media organizations.

Speaking astatine the event, Mr. Shola Mogaji, starring the Globacom team, described the briefing arsenic an affirmation of civilization and unity. He noted that since Globacom began sponsoring Ofala successful 2011, it has continued to enactment commerce, creativity, and tourism.

“Culture and contented physique communities, make jobs, and fortify relationships. Globacom volition proceed to enactment the Ofala Festival wherever civilization meets the people. For the 2025 edition, we mean to springiness retired a brand-new vehicle,” Mogaji said.

Zenith Bank Plc’s Zonal Head, Mr. Obinna Eleanya, reaffirmed the bank’s committedness to strengthening its narration with the Onitsha community. He emphasized that the slope volition proceed to spouse with the radical successful sustaining the unsocial and epic Ofala Festival.

With these efforts, stakeholders expressed assurance that the Onitsha Ofala is connected way to achieving planetary designation arsenic a taste practice event.

The station Onitsha Ofala aims for planetary designation — 2025 Committee appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.