By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has announced October 16 and 17, for the celebration of the annual Ofala Festival at the Ime Obi Ezechima Square, Onitsha.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr.) Mike Okechukwu Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha.
The 2026 edition, themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru”, meaning “Strive to Advance,” will celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, identity and continuing progress of the Onitsha Kingdom, which traces its traditional institution back more than five centuries.
According to Areh, the theme is both a celebration of the kingdom’s enduring heritage and a call to its people to build on the legacy of their forebears through cultural preservation, youth development, unity and purposeful advancement.
He said the official Ofala 2026 logo was designed to reflect the strength and continuity of the traditional institution, with its visual elements symbolising royal authority, protection, identity, honour, cultural belonging and the sacred preparations preceding the monarch’s public appearance.
Areh described the 2026 celebration as “heritage in motion,” linking Onitsha’s longstanding traditions with its aspirations for a progressive future.
As the kingdom marks more than 500 years of unbroken monarchy, the committee urged Ndi Onitsha and Ndi Igbo to embrace progress without losing touch with their cultural roots.
The festival will feature a range of cultural and community-focused activities, including Iru Ofala, Azu Ofala, the Oreze International Art Exhibition and Ofala Youth Carnival, alongside other programmes reflecting the 2026 theme.
The celebration is expected to provide another opportunity for the people of Onitsha to honour their cultural heritage, showcase their identity and reinforce the values of continuity, unity and progress.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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