ABU Celebrates Chancellor's 2023 Ofala Festival

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, extends warm felicitations to its Chancellor, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha, on the occasion of the 2023 Ofala Festival.

The Ofala Festival is an annual Igbo traditional ceremony symbolizing the King's devotion to his subjects' safety.

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A delegation led by ABU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, FNIOB, FSAN, and accompanied by Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, National President of ABU Alumni Association, participated in the festival. The event took place at His Majesty's Palace in Onitsha on the 14th of October, 2023.

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ABU commended His Majesty's leadership and success in revitalizing and modernizing the monarchy during his 21 years as the Obi of Onitsha. His Majesty's influence extends beyond Nigeria, and his theme for this year's Ofala Festival, 'Better. Stronger. Together.', aims to consolidate past achievements and address future challenges.

The festival now includes international visual arts exhibitions, a youth carnival, an internationally accredited marathon, a post-Ofala banquet, and a Church thanksgiving service. His Majesty noted that the Ofala Festival has received national and international recognition and has been endorsed by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as a major Nigerian festival.

Furthermore, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers recognized the Onitsha monarchy as the highest traditional stool in Ani Igbo, similar to the traditional stools of Sokoto in the North and Ile-Ife in the Southwest. His Majesty was also appointed Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo committee on Culture and Tradition, tasked with nurturing and promoting the genuine cultures of Ndi Igbo at home and abroad.

ABU conveyed its appreciation to the principal partners and supporters, including individuals, corporate entities, educational institutions, and the media, for their confidence in hosting this significant cultural event.

The university delegation participating in the event included Director of Directorate of University Advancement and International Education, Prof. Sani Abba Aliyu; former Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Prof. Ken Okoli; Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, Malam Auwalu Umar; and Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Malam Auwal Yusuf Mohammed.

Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria - Monday, 16th October, 2023.