The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has commended Globacom. The monarch praised the telecommunications company for its sustained commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage. He credited Globacom with elevating the Ofala Festival to international prominence. He spoke on Friday at the 2026 edition of the festival at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Ofala Festival is an annual celebration of Igbo culture. It marks the monarch’s appearance to his people. It has been held for centuries. In 2011, Globacom became its principal sponsor. The partnership changed the festival. It moved from a palace ritual to a documented, broadcast and internationally recognised event. The 2026 edition is the fifteenth consecutive year of Globacom’s sponsorship. The theme was “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru,” meaning “Strive and Advance.”
Igwe Achebe acknowledged Globacom’s contributions. “Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival, which owes a great deal to purposeful partnership,” he said. “Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner, now fifteen consecutive years of unwavering commitment.” He said the company remained steadfast through favourable and challenging periods. It helped preserve the authenticity of Ofala while improving its presentation, documentation, broadcast and international reach. “They have helped take a living heritage to the global stage.”
The Obi thanked Globacom’s Chairman, Mike Adenuga Jr., for his vision, generosity and commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. “I thank Globacom and its Chairman, Otunba (Dr.) Mike Adenuga Jr., GCON, a true man of culture, for his vision and belief that culture is not a luxury but a foundation for unity,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Adenuga described the relationship as more than corporate sponsorship. “Our association with the Ofala Festival since 2011 has been much more than a corporate partnership,” he said. “It has been a relationship which we cherish deeply and regard as a privilege.” He thanked Igwe Achebe and the Onitsha community for the opportunity to help preserve their heritage.
The festival’s global profile has grown. It is documented, broadcast and watched beyond Nigeria. The sponsorship model has become a reference point for corporate cultural investment. Globacom’s brand is associated with the festival. The monarch’s endorsement reinforces that association.
Winners: Globacom, which gains cultural credibility. The Ofala Festival, which gains global reach. The Onitsha community, which gains visibility. Igwe Achebe, who gains a platform. Cultural preservation, which gains corporate support. Losers: Competitors, which lack a comparable cultural platform. Critics who see sponsorship as commercial exploitation. No serious losers if the partnership continues.
Bottom Line: Fifteen years is a long partnership. Globacom saw value in culture. The Obi saw value in sponsorship. The festival grew. Onitsha gained a global stage. Corporate money rarely preserves heritage. This case is an exception. It should be studied.