The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has lauded Globacom for its sustained commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and elevating the Ofala Festival to international prominence.
The monarch gave the commendation on Friday at the 2026 edition of the festival held at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, where he acknowledged the telecommunications company’s invaluable contributions as the principal sponsor of the cultural extravaganza for 15 consecutive years.
According to him, Globacom’s longstanding partnership has significantly enhanced the festival’s profile, transforming it from a traditional palace ceremony into a globally recognised cultural celebration.
Said he, “Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival, which 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.”
Igwe Achebe noted that the company had remained steadfast in its support through favourable and challenging periods, helping the community preserve the authenticity of Ofala while improving its presentation, documentation, broadcast and international 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,” he stated.
The Obi also expressed profound appreciation to Globacom’s Chairman, Mike Adenuga Jr., for his vision, generosity and enduring commitment to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“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 noted.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” -Strive and Advance -the monarch described it as an inspirational call to hard work, excellence, personal development and collective advancement.
He explained that the theme reflected the industrious spirit of Onitsha’s forebears, who established a thriving kingdom on the banks of the Niger, while challenging the younger generation to preserve that legacy through purposeful enterprise and responsible leadership.
In his goodwill message to the monarch and the people of Onitsha, Adenuga described Globacom’s relationship with the Ofala Festival as a cherished partnership that transcends conventional corporate sponsorship.
“Our association with the Ofala Festival 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.
The business mogul expressed gratitude to Igwe Achebe and the Onitsha community for consistently providing the company with the opportunity to contribute to the preservation, celebration and wider promotion of the community’s priceless cultural heritage.
According to him, Globacom considered it a privilege to join the monarch and his people annually in showcasing the richness of Onitsha’s traditions and values to audiences across Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.
“It gives us great satisfaction to join Your Majesty and the people of Onitsha each year in showcasing to Nigeria, Africa and the wider world the beauty, dignity and enduring values represented by Ofala,” Adenuga said.
Globacom’s continued sponsorship of Ofala underscores its commitment to cultural preservation and the promotion of indigenous traditions as vital instruments for strengthening national identity, fostering unity and projecting Nigeria’s cultural wealth to the international community.
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