The 2026 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, has commenced with a Youth Carnival organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC), bringing together cultural groups to celebrate the traditions and heritage of the ancient kingdom.
The carnival, held on Wednesday, featured a procession through Inland Town by members of Otu Odu Onitsha, Egwu Odu and Agbalanze, who appeared in elaborate traditional attire in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
Young participants also drew attention with costumes depicting prominent traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife. Their displays highlighted the role of younger generations in celebrating indigenous traditions and sustaining cultural identity.
After the street procession, participants gathered at the old Ime Obi along St. Stephen Anglican Church Road, Onitsha, for fashion parades and competitions among the participating groups.
The Youth Carnival marks the start of activities for the annual Ofala Festival, which celebrates the history, cultural identity and traditional institution of the Onitsha people.
The celebrations will continue with the Iru Ofala on Friday, October 16, and the Azu Ofala on Saturday, October 17. A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of Igwe Achebe is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at the Ime Obi, Onitsha.
The festival will conclude with an Ofala Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 25, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.
Globacom, the festival’s sponsor, said its continued partnership with the event reflects its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage while supporting the country’s development aspirations.
The telecommunications company noted that culture and connectivity could complement each other in advancing national development, adding that its involvement in the festival reflects its belief that cultural preservation and societal progress should go hand in hand.
“Ofala is far more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration,” the company said.
Globacom added that its continued association with the festival reflects its belief that preserving Nigeria’s heritage and advancing society are mutually reinforcing goals.
“This is the spirit of Globacom’s clarion call, ‘Never Settle for Less’, which is to honour what is worthy, while continually striving for something greater,” the statement added.
