The Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Onitsha Kingdom, Anambra State played host to the 2019 edition of Ofala Festival which began on October 4th and ended on October 14th.

His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha hosted thousands of the Kingdom's residents and visitors to not only a display the rich cultural heritage, but 10 days of pure glamourous display of rich entertainment for all.

A few days leading to the festival, the Igwe goes into seclusion where it said and assumed to have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom with the gods and forefathers. This is steeped into deep spirituality, the event is the highpoint of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. The night before the event, he emergences and then take part in traditional rites to bless the events.

The ceremony held various events which included the first edition of the  21 km Onitsha City Marathon, organised by the Onitsha Business School, on October 5th. This was followed by the Oreze Arts VII, which was promoted and supported by Igwe Achebe’s Chimedie Museum Trust Foundation and the National Gallery of Art.

There was also the Ofala Youth Festival 7th edition hosted by Onitsha Ado Youth council which was held on Thursday, October 10th which brought about 2000 persons. The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

There was also display of royal dances, tributes, parades and music running which took place over two days. Also known as The Ofala proper, which took place from October 11th and 12th.

The festival ended with a Royal Banquet, organised by one of Nigeria's mobile company and the festival's sponsor Globacom in honour of the Obi of Onitsha held at the Dolly Hills Hotel, Onitsha, on Monday October 14th.