Onitsha Ofala 2026: Steering committee unveils logo, theme as kingdom marks over 500 years of monarchy
The Onitsha Ofala Steering Committee has unveiled the official logo and theme for the 2026 Ofala Festival, scheduled to take place on October 16 and 17 at Ime Obi, Ezechima Square, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru,” meaning “Strive and Advance,” a message the organisers said reflects the need to preserve the legacy of the Onitsha Kingdom while promoting progress and development.
The unveiling comes as the ancient Onitsha Kingdom celebrates more than 500 years of continuous monarchy, with this year’s Ofala expected to showcase the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, history, identity and aspirations for the future.
Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr.) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha, said the theme was both a celebration of the kingdom’s past and a call to action for the present generation.
According to him, the ancestors of Onitsha had worked tirelessly to build, protect and sustain the kingdom, adding that the present generation must continue that legacy through culture, enterprise, youth development and unity.
“This Ofala, we honour the past by building the future,” Areh said.
The committee explained that the 2026 logo was designed as a royal and cultural representation of an institution that has survived for more than five centuries while remaining relevant, progressive and unifying.
It said the various elements of the logo carry symbolic meanings. The swords represent royal authority, protection and continuity, while the beads symbolise identity, honour and cultural belonging.
The central plate, according to the committee, conveys the message of the festival with the dignity of a royal proclamation, while the depiction of Agbogidi, red chiefs and attendants represents the sacred moment of preparation before the monarch appears before his people.
The white sculptural relief was designed to evoke a refined heritage feel, while the purple accents reinforce the festival’s royal character and identity.
The committee said every element of the logo was deliberately incorporated to connect the throne, the people, Onitsha culture and the future.
It described Ofala 2026 as “heritage in motion,” rooted in royalty, built on resilience and directed towards progress.
Key activities lined up for the celebration include Iru Ofala, Azu Ofala, the Oreze International Art Exhibition and the Ofala Youth Carnival, alongside other initiatives designed around the theme, Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru.
The organisers said the theme is ultimately a call to Ndi Onitsha and Ndi Igbo to preserve their heritage while striving for greater advancement and development.
