Every October, Onitsha bursts into colour, music, and pageantry as the Ofala Festival takes centre stage. For the people of Onitsha Ado N’Idu, it is more than just a cultural show, it is the heartbeat of their history and identity. And this year, the celebration of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, carries even greater weight as organisers push for global recognition.

The 2025 edition, themed “Njiko na Ntachi”, Unity and Perseverance, comes at a time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship. For many, the Ofala festival’s message feels timely: it is about resilience, togetherness, and finding strength in culture.

Already endorsed by the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission as one of the country’s flagship festivals, Ofala has gained international attention. It has received recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, and steps are underway to secure UNESCO heritage status. If successful, Ofala would join a select list of world-renowned cultural treasures, further cementing Onitsha’s place on the global cultural map.

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Speaking at a press briefing in Obi’s palace, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of the festival’s Strategic Marketing Communications Sub-committee, described Ofala as “a reaffirmation of communal values, strength, and heritage.” Beyond the spectacle of royal dances, age-grade parades, and colourful displays, it commemorates the Obi’s successful stewardship during seclusion and the yams’ historic role as a food of survival.

This year’s festivities will span almost a month, from October 7 to November 2, with the main highlights, the Iru Ofala on October 17 and the Azu Ofala on October 18. Those two days will see the Obi’s majestic parade, traditional dances, and elaborate performances by age-grade societies in vibrant attire.

But Ofala festival is not only about tradition; it blends heritage with modern touches. The programme also includes the Ofala lecture series, an annual event that honours Obi Achebe’s contributions to public life and intellectual discourse.

Organisers are keen to position Ofala as more than a festival. It is being framed as a platform for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth. “Our focus is to make Ofala not just a cultural gem for Onitsha, but a showcase for Nigeria and West Africa,” Maduegbuna noted. Corporate sponsors like Globacom, Zenith Bank, and International Breweries have already signed on, while security agencies assure residents and visitors of a safe experience.

For Onitsha, Ofala is both memory and momentum. It looks back to centuries of tradition while pointing forward to a future where Nigerian culture stands tall on the world stage. And in a year when Nigerians are searching for unity and perseverance, the beating drums of Ofala may carry a deeper meaning than ever before.

Cynthia Nwanonyiri