As Ofala Festival, a major event in the Nigerian cultural calendar, wraps for another year, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies is exploring the power of unity and resilience in building a more stable economy.
Each year, thousands of visitors gather in the ancient city of Onitsha, Anambra State in Nigeria for a vibrant display of culture, music, and art to celebrate the rich heritage of the country’s Igbo people. This year’s Ofala Festival, held on October 17 and 18, was no different.
Royal dances, parades, and music paid tribute to the Obi (King) of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, while cultural highlights such as the Ofala Youth Carnival and Oreze Art Exhibition showcased works by established and emerging African artists.
Among this display of creativity and spiritual pride, Nigeria’s second largest telecommunications network operator, Globacom, marked its 14th year of event sponsorship and a stronger commitment to advancing the country’s cultural integrity and development.
A celebration of renewal, identity, and unity
The Ofala Festival dates as far back as the 16th century. Today, it is part of a rich tapestry of tradition in Nigeria – Africa’s most populous and culturally diverse country, where 250 ethnic groups live and 500 languages are spoken.
Committed to supporting the preservation of Nigeria’s unique and treasured heritage, Globacom returned as a partner to the festival, supporting its growth as a platform for art, creativity, and community spirit.
Globacom enriched the festival experience with special packages for its subscribers, including a prize draw, and the continued expansion of its 4G-LTE network. Through this improved connectivity, the company cemented the festival’s core values of unity and progression, encouraging participants to come together and share moments.
This year’s festival emphasized the importance of community and resilience at a time when Nigeria’s economy is prioritizing stability and growth.
With tourists often contributing more to the local economy through longer stays and higher spending on services, the Ofala Festival stood not only as a cultural landmark but also a catalyst for increased revenue. Events like this can also offer a source of employment and stimulate interest in local restaurants, shops, and transportation.
In Nigeria, tourism is projected to contribute $7.65 billion to the country’s GDP in 2025, up from $7.45 billion in 2024, with domestic tourism expected to generate $4.17 billion and international visitor spending around $549 million.
These figures not only show recovery from the disruptions of recent years, but strong growth. They underscore a simple truth: culture and tourism are not luxuries, they are vital to the economy, identity, and the future.
Globacom is committed to pushing that future forward. Its support for Ofala Festival is part of a broader belief that investment in culture yields returns beyond the balance sheet. It builds communities, local businesses, creates jobs, and serves as a source of pride to the people.
For centuries, the Ofala Festival has offered a prominent display of Igbo culture, transcending its role as a royal celebration to become a symbol of cultural pride and identity.
Amid the rapid pace of modernization, the Ofala Festival offers attendees a moment to connect with age-old traditions, strengthen communities, and celebrates the values of respect and continuity that define the Igbo people.
Through its partnership, Globacom exemplifies a broader vision: one where culture and connectivity work together to sustain heritage, promote unity, and inspire future growth.
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