Chinedum Elekwachi
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has joined numerous well wishers to rejoice with His Majesty, Obi of Onitsha and Chancellor of the University, Nnaemeka Achebe on 2025 Ofala Festival.
The cultural event took place at the Palace Arena in the ancient town of Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a congratulatory message from the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the VC, Prof Adamu Ahmed described the cultural event as a thing of pride.
He prayed for His Majesty’s increased wisdom and good health
The statement reads, On behalf of Council, Senate, staff, and students of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, congratulated His Majesty and the good people of Onitsha on the 2025 Ofala Festival.
“Prof Ahmed, who described the cultural event as a thing of pride, prayed for His Majesty’s increased wisdom and good health
ABU Delegation
“A delegation of the university led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof Bello Sabo, conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s congratulatory message to the Chancellor.
“The delegation comprised the Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof M I Umar-Buratai.
“It also consisted of Prof Ken Okoli of the Department of Fine Arts; the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Auwalu Umar; and Principal Assistant Registrar in the Vice-Chancellor Office, Musa Aliu.
“Similarly, the President, Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association Worldwide, Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, was at the event along with some alumni officials.
“Those on the Alumni President’s entourage were Vice President, South East, Dr Nwokoye Matthew Okechukwu; Chairman, ABU Alumni Association, Anambra State Chapter, Sir Victor Okoli Toochukwu; and PRO, Anambra Chapter, Mrs Lilian Onyenujonou.
Ofala’s spirituality
“Indigenous to Onitsha and rooted in deep spirituality, Ofala is essentially a celebration for the monarch to fulfill certain obligations.
“It 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.
“This year’s festival, themed ‘Unity and Perseverance’, was chosen to remind the monarch’s subjects of the importance of community resilience.
“By embracing the theme, the community aims to foster unity, promote resilience, and uphold enduring communal values.
“The event not only preserves traditional practices but also promotes cultural exchange, artistic, expression, and community bonding.
“In his speech at the occasion, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, said Ofala had continued to grow in stature, attracting more visitors and media attention from Nigeria and abroad.
“We are confident that we will in no distant future achieve the highly distinctive recognition as a world heritage cultural festival by UNESCO”, he also said.
“This is the 24th Ofala Festival since 2002 when the Obi ascended the throne of Ezechima, his ancestor father.
“Except for the two-year period of the COVID – 19 pandemic, the festival has been celebrated in the usual manner.”
