From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State,Southeastern Nigeria, blessed with men and women of timber and calibre.
Ofala festival is an annual celebration rich in cultural heritage.Primarily it is celebrated by the Monarch and his subjects.His Royal Highness, Igwe K.O.N Orizu 111, who turned 99 this year,ascended the throne of Nnewi Ancient Kingdom on June 2,1963 as the 20th Igwe of Nnewi.
Igwe Orizu being the longest serving Monarch in Nigeria, preformed his sixty-one Ofala festival.
This year’s Ofala festival was held at the Igwe’s palace which brought together illustrious sons and daughters of the community ,as well as other traditional rulers, political office holders,friends and well-wishers.
Chieftaincy conferment and awards wère bestowed on some personalities, among them were;Minister of State for foreign Affairs, Amb.Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu,Senator Representing Anambra Central,Sen.Victor Umeh,former Minister of Labour and Employment under president Muhammadu Buhari Administration,Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige.
During the Ofala festival, Igwe K.O.N Orizu lll in company of his cabinet members dressed in royal regalia,exchanged pleasantries to the admiration of the guests.
Igwe Orizu in his address during the Kolanut ritual,welcomed the people present at the 2024 Ofala festival, prayed for God’s blessings on the land of Nnewi for bountiful harvest, long life and prosperity upon Nnewi sons and daughters.
He said this 61st Ofala festival would provide the people of Nnewi with the opportunity to celebrate their unity and love.
In his remark,Crown Prince, Dr Obianaefo Orizu said that the Ofala festival was an avenue of showing appreciation to God for what he has done for the people of Nnewi,as well as displaying their rich tradition and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the event included homages and appreciation to Igwe Orizu by different groups.
