With the theme, Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe , the 2024 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha has been billed to hold October 18 to 19, 2024.This reflects Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe’s message of hope and resilience in the face of prevailing hardships in the country.
The Ofala Festival is rooted in deep spirituality, an occasion for the monarch to fulfil spiritual obligations. It is primarily a celebration by the monarch and his subjects after his emergence from seclusion, during which period the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.
The Ofala is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food.
In his remark, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha and Chairman, Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Dr. Okechukwu Mike Areh, said the theme resonates deeply with the people’s resolve to overcome adversity. “As we navigate the challenges of our time, we draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of our ancestors. The 2024 Ofala Eze Onicha is a call to action, urging us to tap into our inner strength, our collective resilience, and our unwavering commitment to one another. We are proud to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote unity among our people and invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 2024 Ofala.”
He continued: “In line with usual practice the Ofala, we will in addition to the two days of the festival proper and the ancillary traditional rites feature other events. These will kick off on October 8, with the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations / Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture. Professor Pat Utomi will be speaking on “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach”.
The 10th edition of the international art exhibition (Oreze X) will run from October 16 to October 21. Effective from this year, a medical, health, and wellbeing community outreach, which will be undertaken throughout the period of the festival has been introduced.
Regrettably, the Ofala Youth Carnival organised by the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), which is arguably the largest street party in southeast Nigeria, will not hold this year as a mark of respect for the murdered leader of the OYC, and the driving spirit of the carnival, Kpajie Ernest A.B.K Offiah.”