Okonkwo Samuel
By Okonkwo Samuel
October 18, 2025
The HRM Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe Centre for Igbo Repository, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, joined the rest of the Onitsha Kingdom and well-wishers from across the world to celebrate the 2025 Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha, on October 17th and 18th, 2025.
The Centre, led by its Director, Professor Godwin Onuh, was present at the grand cultural event to felicitate with the revered traditional ruler and benefactor of the Centre, His Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha. The delegation also used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of preserving and promoting Igbo heritage, values, and knowledge for future generations.
Ofala 2025: Njiko na Ntachi (Unity & Perseverance)
This year’s Ofala Festival was themed “Njiko na Ntachi” – translated as Unity and Perseverance. The theme reflects the collective mood of the nation, acknowledging the prevailing economic hardship and social challenges faced by citizens across Nigeria.
His Majesty, in his Ofala address, noted that the theme was inspired by the current realities of hardship and uncertainty. He emphasized the need for courage, perseverance, and self-reliance as virtues that will enable people to overcome adversity and rebuild stronger communities.
“This year, we are guided by the prevailing hardship in the country. We thus acknowledge the situation as well as empathize and encourage the people to wade through these hard times – in their attitudes (courage), determination (perseverance), and actions (self-reliance),” His Majesty said.
A Celebration of Culture and Reflection
The 2025 edition marks the 24th Ofala Festival since Igwe Achebe ascended the throne of Eze Chima, the ancestor father of Onitsha, in 2002. Except for the two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has been held consistently, attracting guests, traditional rulers, government officials, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
In his address, the monarch expressed gratitude to God for His continued protection and blessings upon the kingdom and its people.
“An amazing retinue of guests and visitors have come from near and distant places to join our celebration. We thank you most sincerely for braving the current travelling challenges in our country. We pray that God will bless you and afford you safe return to your destinations. Meanwhile, please relax and enjoy the festival,” His Majesty stated.
Reflections on the State of the Nation
In his annual Ofala message, Igwe Achebe expressed deep concern over the rising level of poverty and hardship in Nigeria. Citing the latest World Bank report, he observed that the poverty rate in the country has grown from 40% in 2018 to 46% in 2023—an increase from 79 million to 104 million Nigerians classified as poor.
The monarch lamented the dire reality confronting ordinary citizens, particularly with respect to food, medicine, transportation, and housing, while also urging government at all levels to adopt more direct and transparent approaches in providing palliatives to the poorest in society.
He further called attention to the persistent insecurity and violence in different parts of the country, including the South East, expressing hope that recent developments; such as the conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland; would contribute to reducing violent crime in the region.
“The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South East continues to mutate in different forms. We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to the general reduction of violent crime in the region,” he said.
Political Climate and Civic Responsibility
His Majesty also reflected on Nigeria’s political environment, noting that attention had already shifted toward the 2027 general elections. He cautioned that the emerging political alliances appear to serve self-interest rather than the common good.
Regarding Anambra State, he observed that the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election had intensified political activity and appealed for a peaceful and credible election process that reflects the people’s true will.
He expressed concern over the low voter registration turnout in the South East, citing data from INEC that revealed only 2,482 pre-registrations across four states of the region in the first week of the current exercise, compared to 848,359 in the South West.
“This is very alarming and demands the urgent attention of the leaders and stakeholders of the South East States to mobilize our people to exercise their civic right and responsibility to become eligible to vote,” His Majesty warned.
Building on Tradition and Progress
The Ofala Festival continues to gain national and international prominence, attracting media attention and growing participation from Nigerians and foreigners alike. The HRM Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe Centre for Igbo Repository commended His Majesty for his visionary leadership and for using the festival as a platform to unite people and advance conversations around socio-economic renewal.
The Centre also reaffirmed its support for the vision of Njiko na Ntachi—unity and perseverance—as a cultural philosophy that calls for togetherness, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity.
The 2025 Ofala theme emphasizes three guiding pillars:
• Fostering Unity: Promoting collective belonging and purpose;
• Promoting Resilience: Inspiring individuals to draw strength from their heritage and community; and
• Upholding Enduring Communal Values: Preserving timeless cultural principles that define the Igbo spirit.
As His Majesty aptly concluded, “Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us. This is a moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo.”
The Centre reiterated its readiness to continue advancing the documentation, research, and promotion of Igbo history and cultural values in partnership with traditional institutions and stakeholders across the region.
