October 21, (THEWILL) — The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has praised the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, for his remarkable leadership and steadfast dedication to cultural preservation, describing the Ofala festival as a symbol of Nigeria’s living heritage and a strong reminder of the power of unity through culture.
Speaking during the 24th Ofala festival celebration in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Minister commended the rich cultural displays, colourful processions, and artistic expressions that have made the event one of the country’s most enduring and admired traditional festivals. She emphasized that Nigeria’s diverse cultures are not just historical references but living assets that can serve as powerful drivers of economic growth and global identity if properly harnessed.
“Culture is a living legacy that tells our story and defines our identity. When nurtured, it becomes a source of pride, social harmony, and economic opportunity”, the Minister said.
Musawa noted that the Ofala festival, through its pageantry and deep traditional significance, represents the resilience of the Igbo people and their contributions to Nigeria’s collective heritage. She applauded the Obi’s commitment to education, youth development, and cultural sustainability, stating that his leadership reflects a model for preserving values that strengthen communities.
“The Obi of Onitsha has shown through his leadership that culture can coexist with progress. His devotion to education, tradition, and innovation is a lesson in how traditional institutions can contribute to nation-building”, she added.
According to the Minister, culture, when properly integrated into national policy and economic planning, offers both social and financial rewards. It fosters inclusivity, strengthens identity, and supports the creative industries that continue to project Nigeria’s image positively around the world.
She reaffirmed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, is working to promote partnerships that enhance the economic potential of Nigeria’s cultural assets. This includes policies that encourage investment in tourism infrastructure, creative content development, and capacity-building initiatives for practitioners in the arts and tourism sectors.
“Our Ministry is determined to leverage Nigeria’s cultural diversity for global relevance and economic prosperity. We are building platforms that will allow our people to tell their stories, celebrate their heritage, and transform their creativity into wealth”, Musawa stated.
The Minister’s remarks set the tone for a celebration that blended royal grandeur with deep cultural symbolism. The 24th Ofala festival, themed “Njiko na Ntachi” (Unity and Resilience), attracted local and international guests, including government officials, traditional rulers, tourism operators, and cultural enthusiasts. The theme reflected the enduring values of unity, strength, and perseverance among the Onitsha people, whose traditions continue to draw admiration worldwide.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) was also in attendance, led by Mr Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East), who represented the association at the event, joined other dignitaries in paying homage to the Obi and in welcoming the Honourable Minister and her delegation in majestic fashion.
Mr Ugwu, while speaking at the ceremony, described the Ofala festival as one of the most outstanding examples of Nigeria’s cultural tourism potential. He commended the Obi for his consistent effort in promoting the South East as a cultural destination, lauding the federal government for recognising the role of culture in nation-building.
“We celebrate His Majesty and the people of Onitsha for preserving one of Nigeria’s most inspiring cultural legacies. The Ofala Festival is more than an annual event; it is a living expression of our unity, pride, and heritage”, Ugwu stated.
He emphasised that FTAN remains committed to collaborating with both government and private stakeholders to develop tourism destinations and enhance Nigeria’s image through culture-based initiatives. According to him, cultural festivals like Ofala provide platforms for local empowerment, entrepreneurship, and creative engagement, which contribute directly to the economy.
“The private sector plays a critical role in promoting cultural tourism. FTAN is dedicated to deepening this collaboration by ensuring that tourism associations and operators are active partners in showcasing Nigeria’s cultural strengths”, he added.
The event, which drew thousands of participants, featured traditional music, dance performances, masquerade displays, and royal processions that celebrated the history and spirit of Onitsha. Visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora attended, further demonstrating the festival’s growing reputation as a major attraction on the African cultural calendar.
In his closing remarks, Igwe Achebe expressed gratitude to the government, the tourism sector, and all who continue to support the preservation of cultural values. He reaffirmed his commitment to using the Ofala festival as a platform for promoting peace, unity, and development within the kingdom and beyond.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
