The city of Nnewi will be set agog in this Yuletide, as the longest ruling monarch in history of Ndi Nnewi, Igwe Dr. K.O.N Orizu III will be celebrating his 60th year on the throne and as well his 98th birthday alongside the yearly Ofala festival, as the agenda was made known to its people.
The ruling leader who is notably the longest ruling monarch in the world will be celebrating from 24th of December to 30th of December 2023 at the Igwe Nnewi Palace(Obi), Otolo Nnewi.
The Ofala event which is notably the biggest traditional festival every year and an event which includes a comprehensive display of the rich heritage and culture of the Nnewi people is expanded to three days countering its normal two days because of more events added to it to make the event more captivating and activity loaded leaving a memorable feelings, and giving time to celebrate the Diamond Anniversay of Igwe Orizu’s 60th year on the throne.
Recall that not long ago Youth Carnival was introduced to the yearly event which made the Yuletide celebration more captivating, which comprises of Royal Dinner, an interdenominational service, a day for cultural display from the fifty-one (51) traditional wards in Nnewi.
As follows are the listed activities:
I) 24th December, 2023 – Pre-Ofala – 7am Service
II) 27th December, 2023
1, Youth Carnival, 8pm
2, Royal Dinner, 7pm at Igwe Nnewi Palace Ground, Nnewi.
III) 28th December, 2023 – 9am – OFALA DAY 1. An interdenominational service at Igwe Nnewi Palace Ground, Nnewi.
IV) 29th December, 2023: OFALA DAY 2 – 10am. Cultural dispaly from all 51 traditional wards in Nnewi showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nnewi.
V) 30th December, 2023: OFALA DAY 3 – 3PM. Masquerade display from Anambra and neighbouring States with special appearance of the Pride of Nnewi, the AJO-OFIA (Evil Forest) Masquerade.
VI) 7th January, 2024: Post Ofala Church Service at Catholic Cathedral of OurLady of Assumption, Okwuani, Nnewi.
The Ofala event normally kicks off with a Pre-Ofala 7am church service at Chapel of Grace, Bishops Court, Diocese of Nnewi on 24th of December and close with a Post Ofala Church service at the Catholic Cathedral of OurLady of Assumption, Okwuani, Nnewi on 7th of January 2024.
