Susan Abayomi
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has commended Globacom for its sustained support for the Ofala Festival, crediting the telecommunications company with helping to elevate the traditional celebration into an internationally recognised cultural event.
Speaking at the 2026 Ofala Festival on Friday, Achebe acknowledged Globacom’s role as the festival’s principal sponsor for 15 consecutive years, highlighting the company’s contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of the Onitsha kingdom.
According to the traditional ruler, the partnership, which began in 2011, has helped maintain the authenticity of the festival while improving its presentation, documentation, broadcast and international visibility.
He noted that the collaboration had transformed the Ofala Festival from a palace ritual into a globally celebrated cultural event, demonstrating the importance of purposeful partnerships in preserving indigenous traditions.
Achebe also praised Globacom’s Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., for his commitment to promoting Nigerian culture, describing culture as a foundation for unity rather than a luxury.
He expressed appreciation to the company and its chairman for their continued investment in the festival, noting that their support had helped bring the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha to audiences beyond Nigeria.
The 2026 edition of the festival was held under the theme, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru,” meaning “Strive and Advance.”
Achebe described the theme as a call for hard work, excellence, personal development and collective progress. He said it reflected the values of the ancestors who established the Onitsha kingdom along the River Niger and encouraged younger generations to preserve that legacy through enterprise and purposeful leadership.
In his remarks, Adenuga expressed appreciation to the Obi of Onitsha and the people of the kingdom for sustaining their relationship with Globacom since 2011.
He described the partnership as more than a corporate engagement, stating that the company considered it a privilege to participate in the annual celebration.
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Adenuga added that Globacom was pleased to join the traditional ruler and the people of Onitsha in showcasing the beauty, dignity and enduring values of the Ofala Festival to Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
The continued partnership underscores the role of corporate organisations in supporting cultural preservation, promoting indigenous traditions and expanding the international reach of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
