The 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, was a breathtaking display of Nigeria’s cultural wealth and royal tradition.

The event drew national attention as Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, joined other dignitaries to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most prestigious cultural events.

A Royal Celebration of Culture and Heritage

Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival

Accompanied by officials from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy (@fmactce_nigeria) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (@ncac_nigeria) led by Obi Asika, the Minister paid homage to His Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

Also present was Hon. Don Onyeji, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, who welcomed the delegation with warmth and enthusiasm.

The 2025 Ofala Festival marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.

Each year, the festival celebrates the end of the monarch’s seclusion period and the beginning of a new phase of leadership and blessing for the Onitsha kingdom.

It is not just a ceremony, it’s a centuries-old tradition that merges art, music, spirituality, and community pride.

Hon. Musawa’s Tribute to the Onitsha People

Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival

Speaking during the festival, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa praised the event as a symbol of Nigeria’s diverse identity and unity.

She described the Festival as “a powerful reminder of the artistry, pride, and spirit that define our nation.”

“Our cultural heritage is our soft power, she said. The 2025 Ofala Festival shows the richness of our traditions and the brilliance of our people. It was an honour to pay my respects to His Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha, one of the most dignified and ancient monarchs in the world.”

Her remarks highlighted the ministry’s ongoing mission to promote arts, tourism, and creative industries as tools for national development and cultural diplomacy.

Honouring Icons and Institutions of Tradition

Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival

Beyond the royal festivities, the Minister’s delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Professor Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

The visit served as a heartfelt tribute to a living icon of Nigeria’s political and cultural history.

In addition, Hon. Musawa and her team met with the Otu Odu Society, an elite all-female chieftaincy group known for its leadership and social contributions within the Onitsha community.

They also paid respects to the Agbalanze Onitsha, a prestigious chieftaincy order dedicated to preserving the customs and integrity of the kingdom.

A Message from the Obi of Onitsha

Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival

In his message, His Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha, expressed gratitude to Hon. Musawa and her entourage for their visit and participation.

“We witnessed the Ndichie, the immortals; perform ancient dances that connect us to our ancestors, he shared. The Ofala Festival is a bridge between our past and present. It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister and her team to experience our heritage.”

He added that the festival remains a unifying force that fosters peace, pride, and continuity among the Onitsha people and Nigerians at large.

Preserving Nigeria’s Living Heritage

Recognised by UNESCO as a cultural masterpiece, the Ofala Festival continues to attract scholars, tourists, and art enthusiasts from around the world.

This year’s edition, themed around continuity, unity, and innovation, emphasised how tradition can inspire progress and creativity in modern Nigeria.

For Hon. Musawa, the festival aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria’s arts, culture, and tourism sectors as drivers of economic growth and global influence.

The Spirit of the Ofala Festival

From the regal procession of the Obi of Onitsha to the rhythmic performances of the Ndichie dancers, every moment of the Festival reflected the essence of Nigeria’s cultural pride.

It wasn’t merely a celebration, it was a statement. A declaration that Nigeria’s traditions remain alive, evolving, and deeply connected to the country’s creative future.

As Hon. Musawa aptly put it, “Culture is not just what we inherit; it’s what we live and share with the world.”

Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival

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Hon. Hannatu Musawa Celebrates Nigeria’s Culture at 2025 Ofala Festival