The Ofala (Onitsha) Festival Steering Committee has announced the official programme of events for the 25th Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha.
This year’s festival, themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” – Strive, and Advance, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Ofala from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for collective progress for the people of Onitsha and beyond.
The 2026 Festival is proudly supported by Globacom and Orijin as Official Sponsors, and Arise News, THISDAY, Afia TV, Afia Radio, and Udala FM as Official Media Partners.
The Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha, said the 2026 theme builds on last year’s theme, “Njiko na Ntachi” – Unity and Resilience.
“For over 500 years, the people of Onicha have strived. Through every challenge we endured, adapted, and rose again. In 2026, we move forward to iga n’iru – deliberate progress. This is our charge: strive in your craft, advance your community. Let personal effort build our Kingdom,” Chief Areh said.
The Festival program made available to our Correspondent is as follows:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – The annual seclusion of the Obi of Onitsha — INYE UKWU NA’NLO EZE ONICHA.
This is the most sacred and private moment in the Ofala ceremonial cycle. For the following native week: Oye, Afor, Nkwo, and Eke, the monarch is incommunicado as he negotiates the fortunes of the kingdom with the ancestors.
Saturday, October 10, 2026 – OGBALIDO: A feast of atonement for brave men, particularly Ndichie and big game hunters. It signals the final countdown to Ofala and is the formal announcement of public festivities.
Sunday, October 11, 2026 – The Obi’s ceremonial emergence from spiritual seclusion after successfully negotiating the fortunes of the kingdom — INYEPU UKWU N’NLO EZE ONICHA. This sacred rite marks the end of the Umato period and the Obi’s return to his people.
Monday, October 12 – Thursday, October 15, 2026 – MEDICAL & HEALTH OUTREACH. This is a community-focused health initiative offering medical screenings, health education, and wellbeing services.
Tuesday, October 13 – Sunday, October 18, 2026 – OREZE ART EXHIBITION: An international art exhibition showcasing contemporary and traditional works. Oreze positions Onitsha as a hub for culture, creativity, and dialogue.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – YOUTH CARNIVAL: A vibrant celebration of music, dance, fashion, and talent by Onitsha youth, drawing from the traditional igba ilo.
Friday, October 16, 2026 – IRU OFALA: The highpoint of the Ofala Festival. On this day, the Obi makes his first public appearance after seclusion, blesses his people, receives homage, and declares the theme for the year.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – AZU OFALA: The second day of the grand public celebration, featuring continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades, and community engagement at Ime Obi (the palace grounds).
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – THANKSGIVING SERVICE: A special interdenominational service of gratitude to God for the life of the Obi, the peace of Onitsha, and a successful festival. This will be held at Bishop Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Egerton Road, Onitsha
Meanwhile, media accreditation for Ofala 2026 runs from 3rd to 10th October, 2026. All media practitioners wishing to cover the festival are required to apply via: https://ofala.org/press-accreditation/
Only accredited media will be granted access to designated media areas, according to the Steering committee.
On the festival identity, Chief Areh added: “Our logo reflects this journey: the swords of authority and continuity, the beads of identity and honour, and the royal proclamation at its centre. It is a heritage that is not static, but in motion – rooted in royalty, built on resilience, moving toward progress.”
“We thank our sponsors Globacom and Orijin, and our media partners Arise News, Afia TV, Afia Radio and Udala FM for joining us to tell the story of Onitsha to Nigeria and the world,” Chief Areh added.
