Ofala 2026: Igwe Achebe Marks 15 Years of Globacom Partnership, Says Festival Now Global Heritage

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has celebrated fifteen years of partnership between the Ofala festival and telecommunications company Globacom, noting that the collaboration has elevated the festival to international recognition.

Ofala 2026: Igwe Achebe Marks 15 Years of Globacom Partnership, Says Festival Now Global Heritage

The monarch spoke on Friday during the 2026 edition of the Ofala festival held at Ime Obi in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Igwe Achebe said Globacom has been the principal partner of the festival since 2011, maintaining consistent support through different seasons.

He described the partnership as purposeful, explaining that it helped move Ofala from a palace ritual to a cultural festival known across the world.

According to him, Globacom has supported the preservation of the authenticity of the festival while improving its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach.

He added that the company has played a major role in projecting a living heritage to a global audience.

The Obi of Onitsha also appreciated the Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, for his passion for Nigerian culture. He described him as a man of culture whose vision shows that culture is a foundation for unity and not a luxury.

The theme for the 2026 Ofala festival is Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru, which translates to Strive and Advance.

Igwe Achebe explained that the theme is a call to industry, excellence, self improvement and collective progress. He said it captures the spirit of the forebears who built a kingdom on the Niger and serves as a message to the youth to uphold the heritage with enterprise and purpose.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, said the company’s relationship with Ofala since 2011 has gone beyond corporate sponsorship.

He said it is a relationship the company cherishes and considers a privilege.

Dr Adenuga stated that Globacom is pleased to join the Obi of Onitsha and the people of Onitsha every year to showcase the beauty, dignity and enduring values of Ofala to Nigeria, Africa and the world.