…Obi Achebe Unveils Arrangements
By Ikeugonna Eleke
Telecommunications giants, Globacom and International Breweries, maker of the popular Hero Beer, have been unveiled as sponsors of this year’s Onitsha Ofala Festival.
The festival has received national and international recognition, including endorsement from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
In a press release by Mr Tony Nezianya, the event’s publicist, he revealed that this year’s event would witness several other additions to spice it.
He said the theme of the event would be: ”Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance”, which, he said, signified the undaunting spirit of Igbos to trudge on, even in the face of the current hardship in the country.
Nezianya quoted Globacom as saying: ‘We are proud to once again partner with the Ofala Steering Committee to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
‘The Ofala is a celebration of our nation’s diversity and resilience, and we are honored to be a part of it.’
He also quoted another sponsor of the event, International Breweries, as being happy to be part of the event.
He said the Marketing Director of International Breweries Plc, the manufacturer of Hero Lager, Mr. Bamise Oyegbami, stated that ‘At International Breweries Plc, we believe in the sustenance of culture and tradition as ways of uniting and inspiring our communities.
‘We are delighted to support the 2024 Ofala and celebrate the courage, perseverance, and self-reliance of the Nigerian People. In line with the usual practice, the Ofala will, in addition to the two days of the festival proper, and the ancillary traditional rites, feature other events.
‘These will kick off on October 8, with the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Institute of public Relations/Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture.’
Chief Dr. Okechukwu Mike Areh, the Chairman, Ofala Steering Committee, also observed that the theme resonated deeply with the people’s resolve to overcome adversity. ‘As we navigate the challenges of our time, we draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of our ancestors.
‘The 2024 Ofala Eze Onicha, is a call to action, urging us to tap into our inner strength, our collective resilience, and our unwavering commitment to one another,’ Areh stated.
He added, ‘We are proud to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote unity among our people and invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 2024 Ofala.’
