The 2023 edition of the Ofala Festival in Onitsha witnessed a resounding commendation from the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, as he lauded the unwavering support of digital solutions provider, Globacom. The telecommunications giant has consistently sponsored the Ofala Festival for the past twelve years, helping transform it into a remarkable tourist attraction.
Speaking from his Ime Obi in Onitsha, Anambra State, Igwe Achebe expressed his gratitude to Globacom, emphasising the company’s steadfast commitment even in the face of economic challenges.
“Globacom, as our principal partner, has remained steadfast with us, and we thank them exceedingly. We trust that our mutually beneficial partnership will continue to grow,” stated Igwe Achebe.
Globacom’s involvement in the Ofala Festival dates back to 2011, and last year, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the palace to extend the partnership for another three years, spanning from 2022 to 2025.
During the festival, Augustine-ndu Offor, Globacom’s Retail Sales Chief for the South East and South South regions, underscored the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and preserving cultural heritage. By sponsoring Ofala and other significant festivals across the nation, Globacom is playing a pivotal role in enabling communities to safeguard and promote their cultural legacies.
This sustained support for cultural festivals has not only enriched the cultural landscape but has also added economic value to the surrounding region by boosting tourism. Augustine-ndu Offor highlighted that this aligns perfectly with the vision of empowerment that led to the launch of MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank (MMPSB), a subsidiary of Globacom this year. MMPSB’s G kala wallet empowers the unbanked and underbanked population, enabling them to send, save, collect, and deposit money using their mobile phones. Furthermore, the G Kala savings account offers an 8% interest rate per annum, demonstrating the added value Globacom provides to its customers.
In attendance at the festival, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, praised Igwe Achebe, the people of Onitsha, and the sponsors for their dedicated efforts in promoting the Ofala Festival, recognizing its contribution to the state’s development efforts.
Globacom’s sustained support for cultural festivals and its commitment to empowering communities through innovative financial solutions have garnered appreciation and acclaim, solidifying its position as a significant contributor to cultural preservation and economic development in the region.