The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, has announced that the 2026 edition of the Ofala Festival will take place on October 16 in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the date was unveiled by the monarch’s palace alongside the official theme for the annual cultural celebration.
According to a statement issued by the Ofala steering committee, the theme for the 2026 festival is “Igba mbo, iga n’iru”, which translates to “Strive and Advance” or “From Resilience to Progress.”
The organisers said the theme reflects the determination of the Onitsha people to build on past resilience and pursue greater development.
Chief Okechukwu Areh, chairman of the Ofala steering committee and Onya of Onitsha, said the theme represents the collective aspirations of the Onitsha community and encourages citizens at home and abroad to contribute to the advancement of the kingdom.
The festival is scheduled to hold at Ezechima Square in Onitsha and is expected to feature a range of cultural and community events. These include the Oreze International Art Exhibition, the Ofala Youth Carnival, and health and wellness outreach programmes.
Regarded as the most significant event in the Onitsha traditional calendar, the Ofala Festival marks the annual emergence of the Obi after a period of seclusion.
The celebration symbolises renewal, thanksgiving and unity, while also showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Onitsha kingdom.
