Igwe Alfred Achebe praises the telecommunications company’s long-running partnership as the 2026 celebration highlights cultural preservation, community identity and progress.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk
The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has praised telecommunications company Globacom for its sustained support of the Ofala Festival, saying the partnership has helped expand the cultural celebration’s visibility and reach beyond Nigeria.
The monarch made the remarks during the 2026 edition of the festival at Ime Obi in Onitsha, Anambra State. He recognised Globacom’s role as a principal partner since 2011, marking 15 consecutive years of support for the annual celebration of Onitsha’s cultural heritage.
According to Achebe, the partnership has helped the festival retain its traditional significance while improving how its ceremonies and cultural activities are presented, documented and broadcast to wider audiences. He said the collaboration had contributed to bringing the traditions of the Onitsha kingdom to greater international attention.
The monarch also commended Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., for supporting cultural initiatives. Achebe described indigenous traditions as an important foundation for unity and identity, emphasising the value of preserving heritage while making it accessible to younger generations and audiences beyond the community.
This year’s festival carries the theme “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” — “Strive and Advance.” Achebe presented the theme as a call for diligence, self-improvement, excellence and collective progress. It reflects the organisers’ emphasis on linking the history of the Onitsha kingdom with the responsibility of present and future generations to sustain its traditions and contribute to community development.
In his goodwill message, Adenuga described Globacom’s relationship with the festival as more than a commercial sponsorship. He expressed appreciation to the monarch and the people of Onitsha for allowing the company to support the celebration and help present its cultural values to audiences across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
The 2026 Ofala programme includes cultural ceremonies, a youth carnival, an international art exhibition and a community health outreach. Together, these activities place the festival at the intersection of traditional observance, public participation and cultural promotion.
The continued partnership illustrates how corporate sponsorship can support the presentation and preservation of cultural events. For Onitsha, Ofala remains an important expression of collective identity and royal tradition, while the involvement of corporate partners provides an avenue to extend its visibility and reach new audiences.
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