Globacom has declared its readiness to sponsor the 2023 edition of the Ofala Festival, scheduled to hold at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, from 14-15 October.
The leading total telecommunications solutions provider announced this at a press conference held by the Ofala Festival Organising Committee at Ime Obi, Obi’s Palace, Onitsha, on Thursday.
The annual event is a customary obligation performed by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.
The two-day celebration, comprising of the Iru Ofala on 14 October and the Azu Ofala the next day, has Globacom as its major sponsor.
The telecoms company said its support for the Ofala Festival is a testament to its faith in the country’s huge cultural heritage and its potential to create employment and boost revenue generation.
Based on Year 2020 data from the World Tourism Organisation, Globacom noted, Nigeria is listed as 52nd on the list of top 55 tourism nations globally.
“Interestingly, the Travel and Tourism Market in Nigeria has been projected to grow by 6.13 per cent between 2023 and 2027, resulting in a market volume of nearly US$4b in 2027.
“If we continue to focus on promoting the best of our values for the world, nothing stops Nigeria from moving up to the Top 10 Tourism greats among the comity of nations within the next few years,” it added.
The company further stated: “At Globacom, we are committed to supporting efforts aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our country.
“This is why we have consistently supported prominent festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba over these years.
“We believe that these festivals, if well promoted, will help boost Nigeria’s tourism industry as they will attract tourists who will be willing to come around to witness these festivals.
“Their presence will be a booster for hotels, restaurants, tour guides, arts markets and several other sectors whose trade will be in demand. Hundreds of thousands of jobs will also be created along the line.”
Chairman, Strategic Marketing and Communication Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, announced that the Obi of Onitsha has approved the theme of this year’s Ofala Festival as “Better, Stronger and Together”.
He added that the theme signified the place of cooperation and unity in attaining goals and objectives.
Maduegbuna assured those planning to attend the festival that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a spectacular event as well as the security and comfort of all the visitors.
The press conference had in attendance senior palace chiefs and members of the 2023 Ofala Festival Organising Committee.
