The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has commended Globacom for its sustained commitment to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, saying the telecommunications company’s longstanding support has helped transform the Ofala Festival into a world-renowned cultural celebration.
Achebe gave the commendation at the 2026 edition of the festival, held at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, where he praised Globacom for serving as the principal sponsor of the annual cultural event for 15 consecutive years since 2011.
According to the monarch, the partnership has played a significant role in elevating the festival from a traditional palace ceremony to an internationally recognised cultural event.
“Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival owes a great deal to purposeful partnership. Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner – now fifteen consecutive years of unwavering commitment,” he said.
He added that Globacom had helped preserve the authenticity of the festival while improving its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach.
“In good times and challenging times, Globacom has helped us preserve the authenticity of Ofala while enhancing its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach. They have helped take a living heritage to the global stage,” the monarch said.
Achebe also commended Globacom’s Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., for his commitment to cultural preservation, noting that his support reflected an appreciation of the importance of indigenous traditions in strengthening national identity and social cohesion.
“I thank Globacom and its Chairman, Otunba (Dr) Mike Adenuga Jr., GCON, a true man of culture, for his vision and belief that culture is not a luxury but a foundation for unity,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s festival, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” — Strive and Advance — the monarch described it as a call for diligence, excellence, self-improvement and collective progress.
He explained that the theme reflected the enduring spirit of the forebears who established the Onitsha kingdom on the banks of the River Niger, while urging younger generations to sustain the legacy through enterprise, purposeful endeavours and a commitment to development.
In his goodwill message to the monarch and the people of Onitsha, Adenuga described Globacom’s association with the Ofala Festival since 2011 as more than a corporate partnership, saying the company deeply cherished the relationship.
“Since 2011 has been much more than a corporate partnership. It has been a relationship which we cherish deeply and regard as a privilege,” he said.
Adenuga expressed appreciation to Achebe for the opportunity given to Globacom to contribute to the preservation, celebration and wider projection of the community’s cultural heritage.
He noted that the annual festival provides an important platform for showcasing the rich cultural traditions, dignity and enduring values of the Onitsha people to audiences across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
Globacom’s longstanding association with the Ofala Festival highlights the role of corporate organisations in supporting cultural preservation beyond their commercial activities.
Through its continued sponsorship, the telecommunications company has contributed to promoting the cultural heritage of Onitsha, strengthening community identity and projecting indigenous traditions to a wider audience.