
L-R: Globacom’s representative, Tochukwu Okechukwu; winner of Glo brand new car, Mrs Obi Chidinma Esther; Odu Osodi of Onitsha, Chief Albert Ibekwe; member, Ofala Organizing Committee, Chief IK Osakwe, at the Globacom-sponsored Ofala festival in Onitsha on Saturday.
Globacom reinforced its position as a major supporter of Nigerian culture with a superlative showing at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, culminating in a spectacular presentation of prize to winners in the Ofala promo.
The telecom giant, which has sponsored the festival for 14 years, added an exciting layer to the traditional celebration through the promo.
The festival, held at the Ime Obi, Onitsha, had two major ceremonies, the Iru Ofala on Friday and the Azu Ofala on Saturday, marking a time-honoured tradition for the people of Onitsha.
The Iru Ofala saw the Obi of Onitsha making his first public appearance after a period of spiritual retreat, a significant and symbolic moment representing his readiness to usher in a new year of prosperity for his people. The Imperial Majesty, resplendent in his traditional attire, received homage from chiefs, titled men, and subjects.
The event drew high-profile guests, including the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi; Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, and several others.
The Obi lauded Globacom’s long-standing support for the festival, stating: “We thank them for believing in us, and I trust that the mutual benefit that we all derive from the festival will continue to prevail.”
The festival’s grand finale, the Azu Ofala, was a vibrant community celebration and a day of thanksgiving. It was during this event that Globacom made the celebration even more memorable by concluding its special Ofala promo tailored for the Onitsha community.
The prizes, which were presented to winners selected from the four-week-long promo, included a brand new Kia Picanto, two tricycles (Keke), power generating sets, and grinding machines.
Chidinma Esther Obi, a businesswoman from the 33 area of Onitsha, was the winner of the grand prize—the Kia Picanto. She received the car keys from Onitsha royal chief, Chief Albert Ibekwe (the Odu Osodi), and Globacom’s representative, Tochukwu Okechukwu.
Other fortunate winners included Ibeziakor Onyebuchi Anthony and Ejike Chiememma Gloria, who each went home with a tricycle. Numerous other winners also walked away with essential tools like power generating sets and grinding machines, adding a tangible measure of joy and prosperity to the close of the 2025 Ofala Festival.