The 2023 Ofala festival, which is scheduled to take place between October 14 and 15, according to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, would highlight the rich cultural history of the Onitsha people.
Achebe stated that preparations were well underway to celebrate the event on Thursday during a news conference held at his palace in Onitsha.
The Igwe, who was represented by Mr. Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of the subcommittee of the Ofala Steering Committee, stated that the Ofala was an annual celebration of the people of Onitsha where they showed their rich cultural history.
He claims that the Ofala festival celebration would take place on October 14 and 15 in his Palace, which is located on Awka Road in Onitsha.
“The Ofala is the monarch’s yearly exit from seclusion, during which time the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the country.
The monarch added, “It is also a recreation of the joy which the monarch enjoys with his subjects at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of nourishment.
“The first day is the Ofala proper, “Iru Ofala,” which is on Saturday, and the second day is “Azu Ofala,” which is on Sunday. Better, Stronger, and Together is the theme of this year’s Ofala, he declared.
The traditional head of state announced that there will be a road show and a paper presentation at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University in Awka as part of the festivities.
He claims that the lecture will be given by Rev. Felis Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of the Ekiti Diocese, and will educate people on the Ofala festival among other things. (NAN)
