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    Ofala Festival is Rooted in Deep Spirituality -Igwe Achebe

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    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.

    Festivals

    Vanuatu trade commission pledges investment for AI training at IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024

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    IPADA Initiative 2024, Artificial Intelligence training, Vanuatu Trade Commission, African tourism, AI certification

    The upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 in Lagos has secured a major investment from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, pledging to train five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence certification, boosting Africa’s knowledge economy.

     

     

    The excitement surrounding the upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 continues to grow, with significant investments pouring in from corporations, groups, and individuals across the globe.

    A recent highlight came from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, which announced its commitment to investing in training over five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification over the next year.

     

    Also read: President Tinubu to host historic briefing on Ipada carnival 2024

     

    This investment aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of African professionals in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.

    In partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB), the Vanuatu Trade Commission is spearheading an ambitious AI initiative, which will begin with the training of 5,000 participants during the IPADA Carnival in November.

    This training program, named *Business Unusual*, will kick off at the event and is designed to equip participants with critical AI skills that would otherwise cost $1,000 per individual.

    Upon completion of the program, participants will be granted a parity value of $100 and will be registered on a learning management system for continuous professional development and career opportunities.

    The AI training initiative is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts, opening doors for greater AI integration across Africa.

    This is part of a broader vision to empower Africans with high-value, knowledge-based skills, and contribute significantly to the continent’s economic transformation.

    The IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 is set to take place from November 29 to December 8 at the award-winning La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos.

    It will feature cultural and business activities celebrating African heritage and the continent’s potential in tourism. The carnival will include music, dance, fashion, arts, beach polo, and traditional wrestling, offering a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and business networking.

    One of the event’s key goals is to bolster African tourism by attracting millions of tourists annually. The carnival and the AI certification program will help showcase Africa’s unique offerings, from its rich cultural heritage to its burgeoning tech sector.

    Projections suggest that by 2030, Africa could attract over 200 million tourists annually, boosting local economies and creating new business opportunities.

    The IPADA Initiative enjoys the backing of the Nigerian government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as the Grand Patron. Several state governments, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, have also pledged support.

    The event has garnered the backing of various corporate bodies, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which represents private sector tourism operators.

    As the IPADA Carnival prepares to unfold, it represents a critical moment for Africa to unlock its potential in tourism and technology, bringing together local communities, businesses, and international stakeholders to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.

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    President Tinubu directs FCT to elevate Arts and Culture for unity and economic growth

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    Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, ASOFEST 2024, FCT arts and culture, Tinubu tourism directive

    In a bid to enhance unity and economic growth in Abuja, President Tinubu has directed the FCT Administration to bolster the capital’s arts, culture, and tourism sectors. This aligns with his vision of celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage while creating jobs and skill opportunities.

     

    President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration with advancing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in Abuja to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among its residents.

    This announcement was made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, during the opening of the 2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST).

     

    Also read: Tinubu’s reforms: President scraps Niger Delta and sports ministries, merges tourism with culture

     

    Minister Wike underscored that the FCTA is committed to fostering Nigeria’s cultural heritage in alignment with President Tinubu’s vision, noting that arts and culture can drive economic growth, especially by creating skill acquisition and job opportunities for youth and women.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has specifically tasked us with developing and nurturing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in the FCT, and we are fully committed to fulfilling this mandate,” he stated.

    Minister Wike announced that the FCT will host the 2024 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) within weeks, in collaboration with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).

    This event will unite stakeholders in the sector and showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, reinforcing social cohesion.

    Permanent Secretary Olubumi Olowookere highlighted that ASOFEST is more than a celebration—it offers residents a chance to experience diverse cultural expressions, fostering understanding and unity across the capital’s communities.

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    21st Abuja international film festival celebrates cinematic excellence

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    Abuja International Film Festival 2024

    The 21st Abuja International Film Festival highlights exceptional talent with 1,524 submissions and prestigious awards for outstanding films.

     

     

    The 21st Abuja International Film Festival recently concluded, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity from around the globe.

    This year’s festival received a remarkable 1,524 film submissions, from which 70 films made it to the nomination list, demonstrating the growing interest in film production and storytelling.

     

    Also read: Abuja International Film Festival Kicks Off With Global Theme

     

    The standout feature of the festival was the acclaimed Russian film “Four Quarters,” which garnered significant attention by winning four awards, including the prestigious Golden Jury Award.

    This accolade underscored the film’s artistic merit and resonance with audiences and critics alike.

    Nigerian filmmakers also made a strong impression at the festival. Femi Adebayo and Stan Nze were jointly awarded Best Actor for their captivating performances in “Jagun Jagun” and “12 Hours,” respectively.

    The Best Actress award went to Tana Adelana for her role in “Tender Edges,” while Lum Norah was recognised for her outstanding performance in “Kismet.”

    The festival featured a total of 18 categories, including the coveted Audience Choice Award, which was claimed by the Nigerian film “Accroche.”

    The film “Kaka” also shone brightly, winning accolades for both Best Indigenous Film and Best Music Score, highlighting the diverse storytelling within Nigerian cinema.

    In addition to celebrating filmmakers, the festival honoured the Governors of Cross River and Lagos States, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the Distinguished Merit Award.

    This recognition highlighted their significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the promotion of film and culture in their respective states.

    Overall, the event served as a testament to the vibrant creativity and dedication within the Nigerian film sector, setting a promising stage for future cinematic endeavours.

    As filmmakers continue to explore new narratives and innovative techniques, the Abuja International Film Festival remains a crucial platform for showcasing their work and fostering cultural exchange.

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