Globacom Wraps Up 2026 Ofala Festival with Grand Royal Banquet in Onitsha

…Honours Obi of Onitsha, Rewards Winning Age Grades with Cash Prizes, Gifts

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has brought the 2026 Ofala Festival to a colourful close with a grand Royal Banquet held in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi.

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The prestigious event, held on Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra State, attracted prominent traditional rulers, palace chiefs, Globacom’s trade partners, high-net-worth customers and other distinguished personalities who gathered to celebrate the successful conclusion of the annual cultural festival.

The banquet marked the grand finale of the Glo-sponsored festival, which showcased the rich cultural heritage, traditions and communal values of the Onitsha people.

Speaking during the ceremony, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South East, Mike Ehumadu, emphasised the importance of collaboration between corporate organisations and traditional institutions in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural identity.

Ehumadu congratulated Igwe Achebe, the festival’s organising committee and the people of Onitsha on the successful hosting of the 2026 edition.

He reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that promote diversity, foster unity, strengthen community relationships and project Nigeria’s rich traditions to the international community.

The royal banquet featured an exciting combination of cultural displays, musical performances and comedy, creating an atmosphere of celebration and entertainment.

Popular entertainers, including Aniweta Mazeli, Boy o Boy and the Groove Band, thrilled guests with captivating musical performances, while comedian MC Ezegetive added humour and excitement to the occasion.

Beyond the entertainment, Globacom recognised outstanding performances by various Onitsha age grades during the festival’s competitions, presenting cash prizes and trophies to deserving winners.

The company said the rewards were intended to encourage healthy competition, discipline, community participation and the spirit of togetherness among the different age-grade associations.

In another gesture of appreciation, Globacom distributed hundreds of bags of special Basmati rice to members of the participating age-grade associations, further demonstrating its commitment to community development and cultural preservation.

The initiative formed part of the company’s broader efforts to strengthen relationships with host communities while promoting activities that celebrate Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Ofala Festival, one of the most prominent traditional celebrations in southeastern Nigeria, provides an opportunity for the people of Onitsha to honour their monarch, showcase their cultural identity and reinforce longstanding communal traditions.

Globacom’s continued sponsorship of the festival has contributed to its growing prominence, while highlighting the importance of private-sector participation in preserving indigenous traditions.

The telecommunications company maintained that its support for the annual celebration reflects its dedication to promoting cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds and creating opportunities for social and economic development.

The successful conclusion of the 2026 festival further reinforced the enduring relationship between Globacom and the Onitsha traditional institution.