Politicians, traditional rulers, clergies captains of industries  grace 20th Onitsha Ofala festival

By Oliver Udeogu

In his address during the occassion, Igwe Alfred Nnaeneka Achebe, thanked God for a successful Ofala festival and a successful journey through the last 20 years he has been on the throne.

“It’s amazing how twenty years have elapsed. It hasn’t been an easy rise. We met so many setbacks but however, we are grateful to God for the remarkable strides Onitsha as a community has achieved.

“In 20 years, we have hosted 5 Governors of Anambra State and 4 presidents of Nigeria who have encouraged and helped us greatly. Several corporate bodies and friends of Onitsha have given their support in this journey.

“It’s all about transformation and re-invention in order to stay afloat in the 21st century  to through strategic seminars, workshops and conferences. Indigenes in the diaspora are also active participants in this remarkable journey.

“Values reorientation at all strata of our community have been imbibed to lift our people out of poverty but our efforts must be supported with core values.

“I appreciate every unflinching support. Let’s renew our commitment today in the upliftment of our motherland.

“I thank the Ofala planning committee for their amazing work in making this event a remarkable one,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, eulogized Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and the Onitsha Community, as great custodians of Igbo cultural heritage.

He called for the upliftment of the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo.

“I am very happy to be here to join you in this celebration.

Agbogidi is the only Traditional Ruler that have two LGA’s under his care.

I thank you Agbogidi for your work in Igboland.

You are Chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council and the Obi of Onitsha.”

“It has been 20 years of impartful rulership.

I was amazed that you ascended the throne at the age of 61.

Even now, you still young and strong.”

” Our culture is our identity and our identity who we are as Igbos.

Any wayward member of the society can’t be an Ozo title holder in Onitsha”

part of the governor’s speech had read.

Top government officials, state and federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, corporate societies, religious bodies, security agencies among others graced the event.