Obi of Onitsha celebrates 15 years of Glo partnership as Ofala becomes global cultural festival

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, has commended Globacom for its 15 years commitment to the Ofala festival, saying the company’s support has transformed the event into a global cultural festival.

Speaking at the 2026 edition of the festival at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, the monarch paid a special tribute to Globacom for sponsoring Ofala since 2011.

Agbogidi said: “Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival that owes a great deal to purposeful partnership. Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner –15 consecutive years of unwavering commitment.

“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.”

The monarch paid glowing tribute to the chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., for his commitment to 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.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 Ofala festival, Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru – Strive and Advance – the Igwe stated that it is “a call to industry, to excellence, to self-improvement and to collective progress. It reflects the spirit of our forebears who built a kingdom on the Niger, and it speaks to our youth who must carry that heritage forward with enterprise and purpose.”

Adenuga, in his goodwill message at the festival said, “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.

“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.”