NBM Celebrates Obi Of Onitsha At 24TH Ofala, Hails Monarch As Icon Of African Cultural Heritage
The NBM of Africa Worldwide has felicitated with the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, on the glorious occasion of his 24th Ofala Celebration, describing the revered monarch as an illustrious custodian of African heritage, a symbol of royal excellence and a towering embodiment of the enduring greatness of traditional institutions.
The organisation said the celebration was not only a momentous milestone in the reign of the highly respected monarch but also a glorious affirmation of the rich cultural identity, ancestral wisdom and traditional values that have continued to distinguish the historic Onitsha Kingdom.
In a congratulatory message issued by the President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr. Charles Chimezie, Ph.D., and made available to journalists, the organisation extolled the Obi’s exemplary leadership, royal dignity and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of his people.
The NBM described Agbogidi as a distinguished royal father whose reign represents the majesty of the Onitsha throne, the resilience of the Igbo people and the timeless relevance of traditional institutions in fostering unity, peace and communal development.
According to the organisation, the Obi’s 24th Ofala Celebration provides a significant opportunity to honour a monarch whose position transcends the boundaries of his kingdom, serving as a source of inspiration to generations committed to the preservation of Africa’s identity, history and civilisation.
The organisation noted that traditional rulers remain indispensable pillars of African society, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of safeguarding ancestral legacies, transmitting cultural knowledge and ensuring that the values that define their communities are not lost to changing times.
It added that the continued observance of the Ofala festival reflects the enduring splendour of African traditional institutions and the determination of the Onitsha people to preserve a heritage that has been handed down through generations.
The NBM of Africa Worldwide, which identifies with the propagation of Africa’s rich cultural and traditional heritage, said the celebration resonates with its broader commitment to promoting African identity, dignity, unity and the preservation of the continent’s historical legacy.
It stressed that Africa’s cultural heritage constitutes an invaluable treasure that must be protected, celebrated and passed on to future generations, adding that traditional festivals such as Ofala provide a powerful platform for showcasing the beauty, depth and uniqueness of African civilisation.
The organisation further maintained that the recognition of traditional rulers such as Agbogidi was an important way of celebrating the institutions and cultural values that have sustained African communities for centuries.
It prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless the Obi with wisdom, sound health, peace and renewed strength as he leads his people, while wishing the Onitsha Kingdom sustained prosperity, harmony, unity and greatness.
The NBM also expressed optimism that the 24th Ofala Celebration would further strengthen the bond between the monarch and his subjects, promote cultural consciousness among the younger generation and reinforce the place of the Onitsha Kingdom as an enduring symbol of African traditional heritage.
The statement concluded with a royal salute to the monarch, declaring: “Long live Agbogidi, the great Obi of Onitsha; long live the glorious Onitsha Kingdom; long live Anambra State.”