Nnewi celebrates the 60th Ofala festival and 98th birthday of the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu (III) on Friday, 28th day of December 2023 at the Igwe’s palace Nnewi.
The festival opened with a mass service at the palace which was presided by Ven. Benson Okeke, and Ven. Okechukwu Okeke, of Nnewi Anglican Diocese, assisted by other priests.
The service had in attendance the Traditional Ruler and members of the cabinet, the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and others, ended with the homage of Nnewi Anglican Diocese to Igwe Orizu (III) and cutting of the 98th birthday cake of the Traditional Ruler.
The Ofala ceremony kicked off with lots of notable men and women, which includes, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr Peter Obi, the Former Governor of Enugu State, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Former Governor of Anambra State, Her Excellency, Dame Virgy Etiaba, the Chief Executive Officer of Chikason Group, Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor, Chief Geroge Muoghalu, Dame Esom Nwafor-Orizu, Chief Dan Ulasi, the National Secretary of Labour Party, Mr Clement Ojukwu and many others.
The festival properly kicked off with the grand entrance of Igwe Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu (III), Obi Uruagu Nnewi, Obi Afam Obi (Ogidi IV), Obi Umudim Nnewi, Obi Benneth Okafor (Amaukwu), Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba (Obidiugwu), members of Igwe Nnewi royal cabinet, with the royal music and welcome chants as orderliness to the tradition.
After a brief cultural dance and display, the Ofala festival which provided an opportunity for Igwe Nnewi subjects to catch a glimpse of him and also for the monarch to obtain assurance of loyalty subjects immediately snowballed into the award of Chieftaincy titles to sons and daughters of the town and even friends of the town.
The awardees include Chief Ebubedike George Obi, Chief Mrs Ifeoma Ulasi, Chief Emeka Agbasi, Chief Obiora Nwizu, Chief Mrs Favour Chika-Okafor, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, Chief. Dr. Ugboaja Joseph, Chief. Amb. Mrs. Christy Mbonu, Chief Humphrey Obimma, Chief Dr. Elias Okonkwo, Chief. Nnamdi Ejefobiri, Chief Uchenna Anazodo, Chief Mrs Ngozi Ukachukwu, Chief Kenneth Okafor, Chief Dr. Etom Obi, Chief Nnabuenyi Obiukwu, Chief Chukwuma Obiorah, Chief Cosmas Akamelu, Chief Godwin Muoghalu, Chief Chiendu Akamelu, Chief Martin Ibeanusi, and Chief Chibuzo Okonkwo.
Some dignitaries were recognized with certificates of certification, Chief Chukwuemeka Nzewi, Iykon Foundation, Chief Anthony Obiorah, Prof. Madubuko, Chief Eric Umeohia, and Cutix Cable PLC which was received by Nnewi Crown Prince, Prince Obi Orizu.
