Ejiro Efenudu
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has extended hearty felicitations to His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, on the successful celebration of the 24th Ofala Festival.
Widely recognized as a cultural heritage jewel, the Ofala Festival once again illuminated the grandeur of the Onitsha Kingdom, showcasing its deep-rooted traditions, artistry, and royal legacy to the admiration of guests from far and near.
FTAN Delegation Joins in Celebration
Leading the FTAN delegation was Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, the Vice President (South East) of the Federation. He joined other dignitaries, government officials, and cultural stakeholders in paying royal homage during the colourful celebration at the Obi’s palace.
Mr. Ugwu also had the honour of welcoming the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside members of the Federal Government delegation. Their joint presence symbolized a growing collaboration between public and private sectors aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry.
A Display of Culture, Colour, and Community
The 2025 Ofala Festival was a spectacle of glamour and cultural pride, featuring thrilling traditional performances, artistic exhibitions, and spiritual rites that captured the history and essence of the Onitsha people.
Crowds were treated to the vibrant procession of the Obi, beautifully adorned regalia, and age-old ceremonies that reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to heritage preservation.
In his remarks, Mr. Ugwu commended His Majesty Igwe Achebe for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and community advancement.
> “We celebrate His Majesty and the good people of Onitsha for sustaining one of Nigeria’s finest and most impactful cultural legacies,” Ugwu stated. “The Ofala Festival continues to inspire unity, pride, and tourism growth across the South East and beyond.”
His comments resonated with the festival’s overall message of pride, peace, and shared identity among the Igbo people.
Theme: “Njiko na Ntachi” – Unity and Resilience
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Njiko na Ntachi” (Unity and Resilience) — a fitting reflection of the strength, perseverance, and solidarity that define the Onitsha Kingdom and the broader Igbo nation.
The festival’s success also demonstrated the power of collaboration between cultural custodians, local communities, and tourism industry partners. Together, they continue to co-create experiences that draw visitors from within Nigeria and across the world.
A Model for Cultural Tourism in Nigeria
As the Ofala Festival concludes, its enduring impact continues to echo across the tourism landscape. FTAN reaffirmed its readiness to partner with traditional institutions and government agencies to elevate Nigeria’s cultural festivals into globally competitive tourism products.
Through such engagements, Nigeria’s cultural wealth remains not just a source of pride — but also a viable pathway to economic growth, unity, and sustainable development.
