Ofala Festival: Anambra Monarch Celebrates Maiden Ofala, Confers Chieftaincy Titles On 40 Philanthropists

Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

The Traditional Ruler of Nawfia Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, Thursday, celebrated his maiden historic Ofala/Igu Aro Festival and conferred Chieftaincy titles on 40 philanthropists in appreciation of their contributions to the development of Nawfia and promotion of Igbo culture.

Speaking to Journalists at his palace shortly after the event, Igwe Obelle said the honour was to appreciate what the philanthropists have been doing to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the downtrodden in the community.

He said the distinguished philanthropists cut across all sectors of human endeavors who have in various ways contributed to the social-economic wellbeing of the vulnerable people around them, particularly, in the areas of women/youth empowerment, free education, health and security.

According to him, “we are doing this to motivate and inspire them to do more for the sake of God Almighty and humanity, this is the first event of it kind since my ascension to the royal throne of Nawfia in March 2019”.

“The Igu Aro/Ofala Festival is an epoch making event in Nawfia community. It is a very historic occasion.

“Over forty illustrious sons of Anambra State including governor Soludo’s Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief of Protocol, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour and the Chairman of Igbo World Assembly (IWA) (Onowu-Abaganga), Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and some others from the ten villages that constitute Nawfia community received the chieftaincy titles and were elevated to High Chiefs for their various contributions to the growth and development of the community, Anambra and the country as a whole.

“Those who were not honoured this year, were given certificate of recommendation,” the monarch said.

The Royal Father stated that the event also provided them with the opportunity to celebrate their unity and love, display their rich cultural heritage in all its splendor, pomp and pageantry and also serves as an opportunity for the monarch to address its subjects.

“The Ofala festival is an annual ceremony that celebrates the rich culture of Nawfia people in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

“For the past thirty years, this is the first Ofala Festival we are joyfully celebrating in this community.

Igwe Obelle expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring a conducive environment before, during and after the event and for the ongoing construction of roads across the 179 communities in the state.

Speaking, Chief Kenneth Obelle, who was confered with the chieftaincy title of ‘Okunenyeife na Nawfia’, prayed for God’s protection of the monarch throughout his reign as Igwe Nawfia, and pledged the family assistance to the monarch when the need arises.

According to him, ” There are positive changes now in Nawfia since the emergence of Igwe Obelle, there is rapid changes and since it has continued, other states not only Anambra, will know that there is a big difference in Nawfia now than before the enthronement of the monarch.

“As I was given the Okunenyeife na Nawfia, from now, I will bring light in Nawfia, if the recent right is low, I will make it full current”, he vowed.

Dr. Godwin Chukwumeka Okeke, in his contribution said since inception as the traditional ruler, Igwe Obelle, has brought total transformation, modernize their culture and place high premium in helping the needy and down trodden as well as ensuring peace in the community.

Contributing on achievements of Igwe Obelle, the duo described the Monarch as a philanthropist per excellent and called on Nawfia people to support him for total transformation of the community, praying God for His successful reign.

On his part, the President General of the community, Chief Daniel Okoye Okongwu, said the Ofala was to show appreciation to God for what he has done in the lives of Nawfia people and display their rich culture and tradition to the world.

He called on Ndi- Nawfia to rally round their traditional ruler who since assumption of office, has used his wealth of knowledge and resources to reposition the community thereby paving way for peace, progress and development being witnessed in the community today.

It was gathered that during the festival celebration, Igwe Obelle in company of his wife, Ndi Ichie and Chiefs dressed in royal robes, danced round the Ofala arena to the admiration of the guests.

Breaking of kolanuts rituals followed as the Monarch prayed God to bless the land of Nawfia abundantly, give them long life, good health and prosperity.

The event which took place at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Field Nawfia, was also attended by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, an indigene of Nawfia.

Delegates from the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters as well as Hon. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, the deputy/ chief of protocol (another indigene of Nawfia) to Anambra state governor Prof Soludo CFR. Many traditional rulers from anambra state were at the function to celebrate the Ofala with Igwe Obelle, including Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze of Awkuzu, the Traditional ruler of Ifitedunu community.

Others were Igwe Dr.Emeka Ilouno, Traditional ruler of Umueri town, Igwe Ben Emeka( Okebo II), the Traditional ruler of Nise Town, Igwe Romanus Iloh, Igwe of Umuchukwu, The Igwe of Umuomaku Igwe Livinus Ezenwa, traditional ruler of Abacha Community, Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, Igwe Raymond Omoja of Owelle town, Igwe of Ukwala Adodo, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu Community, Igwe of Olumbanasa, Pius Omachonu, secretary of Anambra State traditional rulers council among others.