By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Obi Achebe Annual Lecture Committee of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, 
on Friday, 18th October 2024 attended the 2024 Ofala Festival of Onitsha Kingdom under the leadership of its traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe.

The Committee which was led by its Chairman and Former, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Professor Godwin Onu who represented the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi and the institution were at the ceremonious event to honour, celebrate and felicitate with Obi of Onitsha 'Agbogidi'.

The 2024 Ofala is themed, "Courage, Perseverance and Self-reliance (Onye kwe, Chi'e ekwe)" which according to the ceremony responds to rapidly deteriorating situation in the country which demands self-sustenance.

Reacting during the occasion while briefing journalists, Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Onu noted that the committee is at the event to represent the institution's Vice-Chancellor and the University at large. Prof. Onu stated that the Ofala Festival is a historic event showcasing Onitsha culture and history which is nationally and internationally recognized.

Onu informed that the Ofala Festival is part of showcasing the Onitsha man, Onitshaness and Onitsha people which is epitomized in the Ofala of Igwe Achebe who he described as an elder stateman, well learned and an internationally recognized traditional ruler.

Prof. Onu said: "We are here as a committee on behalf of UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi and the University to celebrate, honour and felicitate with Igwe Achebe on the occasion of the 2024 Ofala Festival which is a historic event showcasing Onitsha culture that is nationally and internationally recognized.

"The Ofala Festival is part of showcasing Onitshaness, Onitsha people and their history which is epitomized by its leadership under HRM Igwe Achebe, an elder stateman, well learned, a global figure and internationally recognized traditional ruler," Onu said.

Prof. Onu revealed that the institution is creating an Igbo repository to showcase the Igbo tribe as part of the annual Obi Achebe lecture series geared towards immortalizing Igwe Achebe when he is alive. The scholar disclosed that the maiden Obi Achebe lecture series will hold on 17th December 2024 with the celebrant, Igwe Achebe, to deliver the first lecture. He called on all and sundry to be part of the upcoming historic lecture series.

Other members of the committee present during the Ofala Festival were Prof. Patrick Egbunike (a member of Onitsha Royal Cabinet), Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo, Mrs Urenna Okamgba, Dr. Chinedu Mbalisi, Mrs Chika Derek-Ofojekwu, Engr. Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi and Rev. Sr. Dr. Adaoma Igwedibia.