Telecommunications giant, Globacom, on Saturday reinforced its reputation as Nigeria’s biggest supporter of arts and culture with a remarkable presence at this year’s Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The colourful celebration, held at the Ime Obi, Onitsha, featured the traditional Iru Ofala on Friday and the Azu Ofala on Saturday — two core ceremonies that form the backbone of the revered annual festival.
The Iru Ofala marked the Obi of Onitsha’s first public appearance after weeks in spiritual retreat and communion with ancestors — an act of propitiation for the peace and prosperity of the land.
Draped in regal attire, the Obi danced majestically around the Ime Obi in a symbolic gesture of renewal and divine connection with his people. Afterwards, chiefs, titled men, and subjects paid homage to their monarch in a show of reverence and unity.
The ceremony drew a long list of dignitaries, including the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; and the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, among others.
In his royal address, the Obi of Onitsha commended Globacom for its unwavering support for the Ofala Festival over the past 14 years.
“We thank them for believing in us, and I trust that the mutual benefit we all derive from this partnership will continue to prevail,” the monarch said.
The Azu Ofala, which served as the grand finale, was a moment of thanksgiving, joy, and community celebration. Once again, the Obi graced the event in a relaxed and festive mood, receiving goodwill messages from guests and the festival’s official sponsor, Globacom.
To heighten the excitement, Globacom presented mouth-watering prizes to winners of the Ofala Festival Promo, which ran for four weeks ahead of the celebration. The promo, designed exclusively for the people of Onitsha, rewarded loyal subscribers with items including a brand-new Kia Picanto, two tricycles (Keke), power generating sets, grinding machines, and other household equipment.
The star prize — a Kia Picanto — was won by Chidinma Esther Obi, a businesswoman from the 33 Area of Onitsha.
An overjoyed Chidinma, after receiving her car keys from Chief Albert Ibekwe (Odu Osodi) and Globacom’s representative, Tochukwu Okechukwu, said the prize was beyond her imagination.
Winners of the tricycles, Ibeziakor Onyebuchi Anthony and Ejike Chiememma Gloria, also expressed gratitude to Globacom, while several others went home with power generating sets and grinding machines.
Globacom’s enduring partnership with the Ofala Festival, observers say, continues to strengthen cultural preservation and promote Nigeria’s rich heritage while rewarding loyalty among its subscribers.