Globacom has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, as the annual cultural celebration marks the 25th Ofala of the reign of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
The telecommunications company announced the partnership on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with this year’s festival themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru – Strive and Advance: From Resilience to Progress.”
According to The Guardian in a report published on October 8, Globacom said its partnership with the Ofala Festival has lasted more than 15 years and reflects its commitment to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Globacom said Ofala represents more than an annual cultural celebration, describing it as an expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration.
The company added that the 2026 theme aligns with its “Never Settle for Less” philosophy, which it said encourages Nigerians to respect their foundations while pursuing greater possibilities and progress.
The Ofala Steering Committee had earlier announced on October 5, 2026, that Globacom and Orijin would serve as official sponsors of the 2026 festival.
The committee said the 2026 edition represents the 25th Ofala Festival of Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and is designed to build on the previous year’s theme, “Njiko na Ntachi,” meaning unity and resilience.
Chief Okechukwu Mike Areh, Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, said the new theme reflects the resilience of Ndi Onicha and calls on them to translate that resilience into deliberate progress.
The official programme released by the committee shows that the wider festival activities began on October 7, 2026, with the annual seclusion of the Obi.
The programme includes a medical, health and wellbeing community outreach from October 12 to 15, an international Oreze Art Exhibition from October 13 to 18 and a youth carnival on October 14.
The main celebrations will take place at Ezechima Square, Onitsha, on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The committee identified Friday’s Iru Ofala as the high point of the festival, when the Obi makes his first public appearance after his period of seclusion, blesses his people and receives homage.
The Azu Ofala will follow on Saturday, October 17, with continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades and community activities.
The Anambra State Government had also confirmed the October 16 and 17 dates in a September 11, 2026 announcement, describing the festival as a celebration of Onitsha’s heritage, resilience, identity and continuing progress.
With Globacom returning as a major sponsor, the 2026 edition combines the traditional significance of Ofala with a broader programme focused on culture, community development, youth participation and the arts.
