One of the awardees, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu with Igwe Orizu during the event said, Nnewi community in Anambra State was agog December 28 to mark the 2024 Ofala festival of His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth O. Orizu III, Igwe Nnewi.
Nnewi is a commercial hub and industrial city in Anambra State, blessed with men and women of substance in all spheres of life.
Ofala festival is an annual event which is rich in cultural heritage, celebrated by the Monarch, his subjects, friends and well-wishers.
Igwe Nnewi who turned 99 this year, ascended the throne of Nnewi Ancient Kingdom on June 2,1963 as the 20th Igwe of Nnewi.
Igwe Orizu being the longest serving Monarch in Nigeria, and perhaps in Africa preformed his sixty-one Ofala festival.
This year’s Ofala festival was held at the Igwe’s palace which brought together illustrious sons and daughters of the community, as well as other traditional rulers, political office holders, friends and well-wishers.
Chieftaincy conferment and awards were bestowed on some personalities, among them were, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb.Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Senator Representing Anambra Central, Sen.Victor Umeh; former Minister of Labour and Employment under President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige.
When the stage was set, Igwe Orizu in the company of his cabinet members appeared in candor in their royal regalia, to the admiration of the guests who echoed Igwee! Igweee!! Igweeee!!! to welcome the Monarch to the arena.
Igwe Orizu in his address during the kolanut ritual, welcomed the people present at the 2024 Ofala festival, prayed for God’s blessings on the land of Nnewi for bountiful harvest, long life and prosperity upon Nnewi sons and daughters.
He said the 61st Ofala festival would provide the people of Nnewi with the opportunity to celebrate their unity and love.
In his remark, Crown Prince, Dr Obianaefo Orizu said that the Ofala festival was an avenue to show appreciation to God for what he has done for the people of Nnewi as a community, celebrating God’s kindness to the Monarch as well as displaying Nnewi’s rich tradition and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the event included groups and individuals paying homage to the Monarch with appreciation.
.
