The 2026 annual Ofala festival of Onitsha, Anambra State, wrapped up on 31 August 2026 with the traditional monarch delivering a powerful call for South‑East voters to avoid electoral apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections, and announcing significant milestones for community‑funded projects.
Key points from the ceremony include: the festival’s theme “iga n’iru” (deliberate progress); the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) reporting N291.78 million in total inflows; the legal registration of the Onitsha Millennium Development Foundation (OMDF) and its new banking relationships; and the Obi’s warning that low voter turnout would deepen the region’s political marginalisation.
What was the theme of the 2026 Ofala festival?
The celebration adopted the slogan “iga n’iru”, signalling a focus on purposeful advancement after the 2025 theme “njiko na ntachi” (unity and resilience). The message reinforced the expectation that citizens should leverage their skills to uplift the Onitsha Kingdom.
Who delivered the royal address and what were the main messages?
Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, spoke on the state of the nation, the importance of free and fair elections in 2027, and the achievements of the OnAF over its five‑year existence. He highlighted projects such as household farming, basic ICT training for women, a youth‑to‑skills programme, and medical insurance.
What financial progress did the monarch report?
He disclosed that as of 31 August 2026, total inflows amounted to N291.78 million, comprising N270.6 million in levies, N17.28 million in fines and penalties, and 1 % interest from title ceremonies over 24 months. Of this, N191.78 million has been reconciled and transferred to the OMDF account, while the remaining N100 million is undergoing reconciliation and will be moved shortly. Investment activities have begun in secure money‑market instruments, and development activities are set to commence.
What future priorities did the Obi outline?
He urged assessment of OnAF’s five‑year performance, formulation of short‑, medium‑ and long‑term plans, engagement of unemployed youth who have completed training, and solutions to rising substance abuse. He also announced a census of Nigerian Civil War victims in partnership with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and a community sensitisation programme to adopt burial vaults to alleviate land‑space constraints.
How did the monarch address the upcoming elections?
The Obi warned that political actors were focusing on positioning rather than governance, and called on parties to reject violence and run issue‑based campaigns. He specifically appealed to South‑East citizens to vote in large numbers, stating that “we cannot stay away from elections and then complain of marginalisation”. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a free, fair, and credible poll, and appealed to the President to prioritize citizens’ challenges over partisan politics.
The festival, while showcasing royal dances and cultural pageantry, thus served as a platform for discussing community welfare, financial stewardship, and democratic participation.