By Michael Ovat, Awka
The people of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State are set for a major cultural celebration as the community prepares for the maiden Ofala Festival of its traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ezediohanma of Ndiowu, Chief Sir Ben Chibuzo Okekeifi.
The Ofala, which is scheduled for January 4, 2027, will take place at the Ndiowu Town Hall and is expected to attract Ndiowu indigenes from different parts of Nigeria and abroad, traditional rulers, government officials, friends of the community and other guests.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued to journalists in Awka on Sunday, September 20, 2026, by the Chairman of the Ofala Planning Committee, Chief (Dr.) Joseph Chimezie Onuorah.
Onuorah described the event as a major homecoming for the people of Ndiowu and said the committee was working to make it a celebration that would bring the community together.
He said the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and other government officials are expected to attend the ceremony.
The committee also said it plans to invite representatives of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and UN Tourism to the event as part of efforts to draw attention to the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Ndiowu.
According to Onuorah, the Ofala will provide an opportunity for Ndiowu people at home and abroad to come together and celebrate their culture and traditional institution.
“The first Ofala of Igwe Okekeifi will be a massive homecoming celebration of unity and love. We want our people, wherever they may be, to come home and celebrate together,” he said.
He added that the festival would involve different groups and organisations in the community, including age grades, women, youths and other community associations.
The programme is expected to include a Thanksgiving Mass, royal procession, traditional dances, masquerade displays, cultural performances, age-grade presentations and other traditional activities.
The royal procession and dance of the monarch will be one of the major highlights of the day, along with award of Chieftaincy titles to deserving members of Ndiowu community, while the various age grades, women, youths and branches are expected to appear in their colourful uniforms.
The Ofala Committee Chairman, who is also the founder of the Joseph Onuorah Foundation, said the festival was an opportunity to promote unity and strengthen the relationship between Ndiowu people at home and in the diaspora.
“The Ofala is not just about the Igwe. It is about Ndiowu. Every part of the community has a role to play, and we want everyone to be part of it,” he said.
He said the committee was also working to ensure that the event properly reflects the culture and traditions of Ndiowu.
The committee has therefore invited Ndiowu indigenes, friends of the community, Nigerians from different parts of the country, visitors and members of the media to attend the celebration.
“We invite all Nigerians and international visitors, including the media, to join us as we celebrate the culture and heritage of Ndiowu Kingdom. Above all, we want our people to come home, reconnect and celebrate together,” Onuorah said.
The Ndiowu Ofala Festival 2027 is expected to mark an important moment for the community as it brings together the traditional institution, age grades, community organisations and Ndiowu people at home and abroad for a day of culture, celebration and reunion.
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