ONITSHA, the commercial hub of Anambra was on October to October 7 was agog with many cultural activities as Igwe Alfred Achebe, its traditional ruler, celebrated his 17th Ofala Festival.

However, the festival was preceded on October 6, with a Youth Carnival that depicted the different cultural heritage of the community.

The event, no doubt witnessed a large turnout of indigenes, other residents the commercial city, friends and well-wishers of the community.

Representatives of various traditional institutions clad in colourful regalia including members of his cabinet and titled men took turns to pay homage to the Obi of Onitsha in line with the norms guiding the festival.

The festival also attracted people from other ethnic groups, government functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps, who came from far and near to grace the occasion.

At the flag-off the festival, Igwe Achebe, enjoined politicians to maintain peace and harmony by playing according to the rules during 2019 General Elections.

While decrying the high rate of unemployment among the youths which had increased the rate of crime and deviant behaviours in the society, he cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs during polls.

The royal father also appealed to the government at various levels to device means of empowering the youths to enable them be self-reliance, useful to themselves and the nation.

He used the occasion to thank God for Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra on his victory at the last governorship elections in Anambra in 2017.

Achebe noted that he was optimistic that his second term in the office would usher in more developmental projects in the state.

Patrick Agha Mba, in a remark, Transition Committee chairman Onitsha North LGA, praised the good qualities of Igwe Achebe and prayed God to continue to grant him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the town.

Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba and the traditional ruler of Asaba in Delta State, who was represented by Obi Iweka Enen, said he was pleased to be associated with the monarch on the auspicious event and wished him a successful reign on the throne.

The occasion featured cultural displays, performances by dance groups and royalties to the monarch.

– Oct. 11, 2018 @ 17:23 GMT |