The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has attributed the Ofala Festival’s emergence as a globally recognised cultural celebration to the longstanding partnership between Globacom and the Onitsha Kingdom.
The revered monarch said the telecommunications company’s sustained support had helped transform the annual festival from a traditional palace ceremony into an internationally celebrated cultural event.
Globacom has served as the principal sponsor of the Ofala Festival since 2011, marking 15 consecutive years of partnership with the Onitsha Kingdom.
Speaking at the 2026 edition of the festival at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, Igwe Achebe commended Globacom for its unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the kingdom.
“Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival, owing a great deal to purposeful partnership.
Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner—now fifteen consecutive years of unwavering commitment,” the monarch said.
He explained that Globacom had continued to support the festival through changing circumstances while helping to preserve its authenticity and improve its presentation, documentation, broadcast coverage and international visibility.
“In good times and challenging times, Globacom has helped us preserve the authenticity of Ofala while enhancing its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach.
They have helped take a living heritage to the global stage,” he added.
The monarch also praised Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., for his commitment to the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“I thank Globacom and its Chairman, Otunba (Dr) Mike Adenuga Jr., GCON, a true man of culture, for his vision and belief that culture is not a luxury but a foundation for unity,” Achebe stated.
Igwe Achebe noted that this year’s theme, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru”—Strive and Advance—underscored the importance of hard work, excellence, self-improvement and collective progress.
According to him, the theme reflects the determination of the kingdom’s forebears, who built a thriving community along the River Niger, while challenging younger generations to preserve that legacy through enterprise, commitment and purposeful leadership.
In his goodwill message to the monarch and the people of Onitsha, Dr Adenuga described Globacom’s relationship with the Ofala Festival as more than a corporate sponsorship arrangement.
“Our association with the Ofala Festival since 2011 has been much more than a corporate partnership.
It has been a relationship which we cherish deeply and regard as a privilege,” he said.
The Globacom chairman expressed appreciation to the Obi of Onitsha for providing the company with the opportunity to contribute to preserving, celebrating and promoting the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“It gives us great satisfaction to join Your Majesty and the people of Onitsha each year in showcasing to Nigeria, Africa and the wider world the beauty, dignity and enduring values represented by Ofala,” Dr Adenuga concluded.
The Ofala Festival remains one of the prominent cultural celebrations in southeastern Nigeria, showcasing the traditions, history and identity of the Onitsha people while providing a platform for cultural promotion and community engagement.
