{
  "id": 16137329,
  "title": "Ofala 2026: How Globacom is Powering the Celebration of Onitsha’s Cultural Heritage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/ofala-2026-how-globacom-is-powering-the-celebration-of-onitshas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T01:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/23/ofala-2026-how-globacom-is-powering-the-celebration-of-onitshas-cultural-heritage/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Onitsha, the commercial nerve center of Eastern Nigeria, celebrated the 2026 Ofala Festival last week, marking a significant occasion for both national and global cultural renaissance and heritage. The week-long celebration showcased the rich Igbo heritage and traditions of the city through various events, such as art exhibitions, youth carnivals, lectures, and medical outreach programs, alongside the traditional ceremonies.\n\nThe festival, hosted by the Igbo people of Onitsha, paid tribute to the Obi in full royal regalia and featured the Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala ceremonies. The event was jointly organized by the Onitsha Traditional Council and sponsor, Nigeria's telecommunications giant, Globacom. The 15-year partnership between Globacom and the Onitsha Traditional Council has not only elevated the city's cultural status but also provided substantial economic benefits to the people of Onitsha.\n\nThe theme for the 2026 festival, \"Igba Mbo, Iga N'Iru – Strive and Advance. From Resilience to Progress,\" embodied the spirit of Ndi Onicha, a community known for its resilience, enterprise, adaptability, and determination. Globacom's commitment to sponsoring the festival aligns with its belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation.\n\nGlobacom CEO, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., praised the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, for his wise leadership, wisdom, dignity, and exemplary approach to balancing cultural traditions with modern advancements. He expressed delight in Globacom's role in preserving and promoting the priceless cultural heritage of the Onitsha Kingdom.",
  "summary": "By Kayode Akinyemi Onitsha, a city steeped in heritage and Eastern Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, was last week the centre stage of both national and global cultural renaissance and heritage",
  "key_points": [
    "Onitsha celebrates 2026 Ofala Festival, showcasing Igbo heritage",
    "Globacom sponsors festival, aligning with cultural preservation",
    "15-year partnership benefits Onitsha economically and culturally"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Globacom’s long-term sponsorship of the Ofala Festival demonstrates how corporate partnerships can drive cultural preservation while providing significant economic advantages to traditional communities and their local heritage.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}