Leading total telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, has announced the sponsorship of this year’s edition of Ofala Festival scheduled to hold at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, from October 14 to 15, 2023.
The annual event is a customary obligation performed by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. The two-day celebration will comprise the Iru Ofala on October 14 and the Azu Ofala the next day.
Globacom, which is the major sponsor of the festival, said at a press conference held by the Ofala Festival Organising Committee at Ime Obi, Obi’s Palace, Onitsha, on Thursday that its support for the event is a testament to its faith in the nation’s huge cultural heritage and its potential to create employment and boost revenue generation.
Based on Year 2020 data from the World Tourism Organization, Globacom noted, Nigeria is listed as 52nd on the list of top 55 tourism nations globally. “Interestingly, the Travel and Tourism market in Nigeria has been projected to grow by 6.13 per cent between 2023 and 2027, resulting in a market volume of nearly US$4bn in 2027. If we continue to focus on promoting the best of our values for the world, nothing stops Nigeria from moving up to the Top 10 Tourism greats among the comity of nations within the next few years,” it added.
“At Globacom, we are committed to supporting efforts aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our country. This is why we have consistently supported prominent festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba over these years. We believe that these festivals, if well promoted, will help boost Nigeria’s tourism industry as they will attract tourists who will be willing to come around to witness these festivals. Their presence will be a booster for hotels, restaurants, tour guides, arts markets and several other sectors whose trade will be in demand. Hundreds of thousands of jobs will also be created along the line.”
The Chairman of the Strategic Marketing and Communication Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, announced at the press conference that the Obi of Onitsha had approved the theme of this year’s Ofala Festival as “Better, Stronger and Together”, signifying the place of cooperation and unity in attaining goals and objectives.
He assured those planning to attend the festival that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a spectacular event as well as the security and comfort of all the visitors. The press conference had in attendance senior palace chiefs and members of the organising committee.
