Festivals

Ofala Festival highlights role of culture in Nigeria’s development

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2024

Nigeria Cultural Festivals Economic Impact

Globacom’s Tochukwu Okechukwu calls for leveraging Nigeria’s cultural festivals, such as Ofala, to boost economic growth and international influence.

At the 2024 Ofala Festival, Tochukwu Okechukwu, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South, emphasised the transformative potential of Nigeria’s cultural festivals in driving economic growth and enhancing the country’s international influence.

Speaking at the renowned event in Onitsha, Anambra State, Okechukwu highlighted how cultural industries, such as festivals, arts, tourism, and crafts, can create jobs, generate revenue, and promote locally made products, enriching the national economy.

Also read: Globacom reaffirms support for Ofala Festival, highlights cultural and technological synergy

“Culture is more than heritage; it shapes education, inspires innovation, and enhances soft power through global diplomacy and cultural exchange,” said Okechukwu.

He underscored how cultural knowledge could foster critical thinking and creativity, equipping individuals with valuable problem-solving skills that benefit society at large.

Moreover, Okechukwu noted the role of communication in fostering cultural appreciation and unity. “Dialogue is essential to understanding and collaboration.

Our mission is to amplify every community voice with affordable telecom services and digital solutions,” he added.

Reflecting on Globacom’s longstanding support, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, expressed gratitude to the telecom giant for its role in promoting the Ofala Festival and sustaining the cultural legacy of the Onitsha Kingdom.

The Ofala Festival, deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its international profile while building a sustainable cultural economy.

Through robust investment and local engagement, Nigeria’s cultural festivals can serve as pillars for development, advancing both economic and social goals.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”