Festivals
Ofala Festival is Rooted in Deep Spirituality -Igwe Achebe
Published
1 year agoon
By
Lanre
The Obi of Onitsha in Anambra State, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, best known as Agbogidi, has stated that the Ofala Festival is rooted in deep spirituality. He also disclosed that over 100 Nigerian artists will participate in this year’s Ofala Art Exhibition as part of activities in celebration of his Ofala Festival.
Igwe Achebe, who was represented by the Chairman of Ofala Strategic, Marketing and Publicity Steering Committee, Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at his palace in Onitsha.
According to him,
“The Ofala is the high point of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. The Obi of Onitsha is the celebrant of this spectacle which is rooted in deep spirituality. It is an occasion for the monarch to fulfill certain obligations.
“It is primarily a celebration by the monarch and his subjects, of the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period, the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.
“It is also a reenactment of the joy, which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food.
“The annual Ofala has grown steadily over the years in terms of its scope, social glamour, and intrinsic meaning for us Ndi Onicha(Onitsha people).
“An international art exhibition, a youths’ carnival, a marathon and a post-Ofala banquet have enhanced the content and attractiveness of the festival. A lecture series will be introduced this year. With the strides that the Ofala has made, it continues to receive both national and international recognition.
”The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has endorsed the Onitsha Ofala Festival as a major Nigerian festival and issued a specific mandate in its support. It has also received a certificate of recognition for excellence in culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This is in recognition of its corporate contribution to the development of culture.
He said the artists who are drawn from the five states of the South East geopolitical zone will be presenting artworks showing the elrich cultural heritage of Igbo land and Onitsha in particular.
“We believe we are on course to achieving the objectives of the Ofala attracting considerable national, West African, and international attention, and attaining the status of a major event in Nigerian, by extension in the West African cultural/tourism calendar.
“Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc are the official sponsors of the Ofala. Globacom has been partnering with the Onitsha Traditional Council since 2011. Our partnership with International Breweries goes back to 2012 when the then Intafact Beverages Limited commenced brewing Hero Larger here in Onitsha.
“The relationship these bodies have had with the Onitsha community has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of the Ofala.”
“In twenty-one years as Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe mni, CFR, Agbogidi, has made giant strides. These find expressions in a number of areas.
“They include a modernised and revitalised monarchy and leadership the aura of which today radiates beyond Onitsha to Anambra State, the Southeast region, Nigeria and beyond. Furthermore, His Majesty has also articulated a vision for communal transformation hinged on a new value system for lifting the poor and most vulnerable in his domain from consumption and dependency to production and self-reliance. This vision is animated in the work of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) www.onaf.org ”
“This has been recently introduced and is promoted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University. Named the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations / Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture, the maiden edition of the lecture series would be given by The Right Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese. He will be speaking on Traditional Institutions, Public Relations, and Good Governance in Contemporary Nigeria. The venue is Education Trust Fund. (ETF) Hall, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, and will commence at 12:00 ”
”For the first time on Monday, October 7, 2013, which was the eve of that year’s Ofala, the Oreze Art Exhibition is designed to provide exposure to a budding artist living and practising in the Southeast of Nigeria. Well over 100 artists resident in the southeast region have made their exhibition debuts at Oreze. The series is also an avenue for multi-talented and well-established artists from various parts of the world to exhibit their works. Oreze ix will close on October 16″
This year’s Ofala and the associated events will run over a three-week period in the month of October. Even though celebratory, cognisance has been taken of the prevailing economic situation in the country in planning the various events. We therefore have no alternative but to be restrained in the modalities for the 2023 Ofala.”
“The Ofala of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, mni, CFR, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha, which will be held here at Ime Obi Onitsha will span two days – Iru Ofala on Saturday, October 14 and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 15. The two ritual ceremonies leading directly to the Ofala, Inye ukwu na nlo Eze Onicha (spiritual retreat) and Ogbalido are scheduled for October 7 and October 10, respectively”
“There shall be a Youth carnival which is organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC) highlights the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha indigenes”
“Probably the biggest cultural street funfair in the Southeast region of Nigeria, it is a colourful moving train of various Onitsha cultural outfits and dances on the major streets of the metropolis. In the process, it provides entertainment for both the youth participants and the spectators that cut across various age categories.
“In addition, it ensures the sustainability of the customs and traditions of Onicha Ado N’Idu (Onitsha), by inculcating in the youths, a sense of pride and love for the heritage of their hometown Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Ofala Banquet,” he concluded.
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Festivals
Phynofest returns to Enugu: Phyno announces grand comeback of iconic concert
Published
1 week agoon
February 1, 2025By
Lanre
Phyno announces the return of Phynofest to Enugu in 2025, promising a bigger and better experience for fans. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration
Phyno, the Nigerian rapper and music legend, has officially revealed that his highly anticipated annual concert, *Phynofest*, will be making a spectacular return to Enugu in 2025.
Also read: Enugu to host 23rd national sports festival in 2026
After a brief hiatus, the event, renowned for selling out in previous editions, is set to make a grand comeback, thrilling fans with a bigger and better show than ever before.
Taking to social media to share the exciting news, Phyno expressed his excitement and anticipation for the event. He wrote, “Enugu, it’s about to be lit again! Phynofest is back, and this year we’re going bigger and better. You all have been asking for it, and now it’s time to make history again.”
The popular rapper, whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, also shared that part of his visit to the state would involve discussions with the governor regarding plans for the November 2025 concert.
Emphasising the importance of government support, Phyno noted that it would be crucial in ensuring the event’s success and boosting tourism in the state.
Since its inception, Phynofest has become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and iconic music festivals. Known for its electrifying performances, star-studded lineups, and thrilling atmosphere, Phynofest attracts thousands of fans to Enugu, the Coal City.
The concert has previously featured some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Olamide, Flavour, and Zoro, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Phyno’s loyal fanbase, particularly in the Eastern region, eagerly awaits the event each year, and this year’s return has sparked widespread excitement.
Fans have already begun speculating about potential guest appearances and surprises, with many commenting online about the anticipation. One fan expressed on Instagram, “We’ve missed this! Phynofest always brings the whole state together.”
Phyno, known for his distinctive blend of rap and indigenous Igbo sounds, continues to shape the Nigerian music landscape.
His influence spans beyond the music scene, with his cultural contributions making him a significant figure in the Eastern part of Nigeria and throughout the country.
Phynofest has become a symbol of this cultural impact, drawing attention to the state of Enugu while providing an unparalleled platform for music lovers to celebrate Nigerian talent.
Though the official venue for the 2025 Phynofest is yet to be revealed, Phyno reassured fans that further announcements would follow soon, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next big update.
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Festivals
Katsina State to host 2025 ECOWAS food, cultural festival
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 21, 2025By
Lanre
Katsina State will host the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, promoting African cultural values, food security, and regional development
Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North West, has been chosen to host the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, themed *“African Cultural Values and Food Security for Peace and Development.”*
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This prestigious event aims to unite key stakeholders to address security challenges affecting farming and agriculture across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
The announcement was made by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda.
Scheduled for 2025, the festival will spotlight Katsina as a hub for cultural heritage, agricultural innovation, and economic development.
Governor Radda stated that the festival would emphasise African cultural values while advancing food security, peace, and development across the ECOWAS region.
It is expected to attract local and international investors in agriculture, boosting economic opportunities in Katsina State.
The festival will also create a ripple effect across multiple industries, including event management, tourism, logistics, and local markets. These opportunities will benefit the state’s youth, artisans, and small businesses.
Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa, Executive Director/CEO of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, highlighted the festival’s potential to stimulate demand for hospitality services, food, and transportation.
The influx of visitors will boost the local economy while showcasing Katsina’s rich cultural heritage.
Ambassador Prince Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, commended Governor Radda for his warm reception and unwavering support, describing the upcoming festival as a landmark event for the region.
The 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is expected to be a transformative event, reinforcing Katsina State’s role as a cultural and agricultural leader in West Africa.
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Festivals
Calabar Carnival 2024 attracts over 300,000 tourists, boosts local economy
Published
4 weeks agoon
January 13, 2025By
Lanre
Calabar Carnival 2024 drew over 300,000 tourists, driving a 42% increase in attendance and generating billions in revenue for Cross River.
The recently concluded 32-day Calabar Carnival 2024 proved a monumental success, attracting over 300,000 tourists and generating billions in revenue for Cross River State.
This marked a 42% increase in attendance compared to 2023, according to the Cross River Tourism Bureau.
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Speaking in Lagos, the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, revealed that the carnival, which ran from 1 November to 31 December 2024, brought a significant influx of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
“Calabar recorded over 300,000 tourists during the festival period, with most visitors coming from Abuja, Lagos, and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State,” Ojoi stated.
He highlighted that the 2024 festival saw a significant rise in onsite spectators, with an estimated 450,000 attending key events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival. This was a substantial increase from the 279,486 spectators recorded in 2023.
Furthermore, the carnival achieved global visibility, with over 1.2 billion viewers watching via DSTV channel 198 and over 100 million viewers tuning in through online streaming platforms.
The tourism boom translated into remarkable economic benefits for Calabar. From November to December 2024, hotel occupancy rates rose from 57% in 2023 to 68%, with many establishments achieving full capacity during peak dates in December.
Revenue highlights include:
- Hotel bookings: Estimated at ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million), driven by 100% occupancy at key hotels such as Hogis Royale and Metropolitan Hotel.
- Food and breakfast sales: Estimated at ₦900 million ($562,000).
- Ticketed events: Funfest, Calabar Fashion Show, and Queen of Humanity generated ₦100 million ($66,000).
- Nightlife: The city’s top five nightclubs contributed ₦400 million ($267,000).
- Miscellaneous activities: Online streaming, food, drinks, dancers, and car rentals added another ₦1 billion ($667,000).
- Transportation: Visitors spent an estimated ₦8.87 billion on air, road, and sea travel.
Ojoi also emphasised the cultural significance of the carnival, with tourists visiting key attractions such as the OMR, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls. The festival continues to strengthen Calabar’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.
“The Calabar Carnival is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of our rich heritage, a boost to our economy, and an opportunity to connect with the world,” Ojoi added.
As the Cross River State Government continues its efforts to promote tourism, the success of the 2024 Calabar Carnival demonstrates the transformative potential of cultural events in driving economic growth and global recognition.
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