By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Executive Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area(LGA), Hon. Chief Ikechukwu Peter Mofunanya (Ezeoba), has joined the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR (Agbogidi), and the people of Onitsha to celebrate the 24th Ofala Festival, reaffirming his commitment to preserving and promoting Igbo cultural heritage.
The colourful celebration, held on Oct. 16, at the Ime Obi Palace, Onitsha, featured traditional dances, cultural performances and ceremonial displays that showcased the rich history, customs and traditions of the Onitsha Ado N’Idu Kingdom.
Mofunanya, who attended the festival alongside LGA officials, political leaders and other dignitaries, congratulated the traditional ruler and the people of Onitsha on the celebration of the historic cultural event.
Speaking with journalists at the occasion, the mayor described the Ofala Festival as an important cultural institution that preserves indigenous values, strengthens communal bonds and promotes the transmission of traditional knowledge from one generation to another.
He noted that the festival provides an opportunity for younger generations to reconnect with their roots, appreciate their history and embrace the cultural values that define the identity of the Igbo people.
According to him, preserving traditional festivals is essential to sustaining cultural identity, fostering community unity and creating opportunities for tourism development. He therefore called for continued efforts to promote and protect indigenous traditions.
The mayor was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Promise Egbeji; Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Ifunanya Stella Nwangwu; Chief of Staff, Barr. Kenechukwu Oguejiofor; and APGA candidate for Onitsha South Constituency II, Hon. James Ibezimako.
Others included the Onitsha South APGA Chairman, Hon. Uche Umennakaenyi; Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Paul Achalla, Esq.; Chairman of All Chairmen, Hon. Hilary Ojukwu; serving councillors; party faithful; and other dignitaries.
The 24th Ofala Festival once again brought together the people of Onitsha to celebrate their shared heritage, highlighting the enduring role of traditional institutions in preserving history, strengthening community identity and passing cultural values on to future generations.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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