Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, has called for attention to be paid to social and infrastructural development within the Onitsha Area so as to ensure that developments are in tandem with the ongoing capital projects in the commercial city, such as the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the commencement of operations at the Onitsha River Port and the soon–to-be completed, Anambra International Cargo Airport.
Agbogidi speaking during the just concluded 2020 Ofala Onicha on Oct.11, observed that the Second River Niger Bridge, the ports operations, and the Anambra Airport, will lead to increased economic activity and prosperity in the metropolis, as well as in Anambra and the other SouthEast States, they will also put pressure on an already dilapidated infrastructures in the metropolis.
He called for the design and implementation of a massive urban renewal plan for Onitsha metropolis based on an updated UN Habitat 2009 Structure Plan for Onitsha and Satellite Towns, adding that the plan will not only address the current lack of city planning, high level of environmental pollution and the absence of a well-designed sewer, waterfront, and channelisation system, but will also help manage the outcome of the developments that would arise from the new projects.
Igwe Achebe posited that such an ambitious plan will best be executed through the creation of a Greater Onitsha Development Authority, encompassing the city and its neighbouring towns.
This year’s Ofala was marked in a low-key manner in line with the decision of the Onitsha Traditional Council, to fulfill the community’s annual traditional and ritual obligations in a modest way while complying fully with the COVID -19 safety and hygiene protocols.
The decision which took account of the general mood of the country also serves as a mark of respect for all persons in Onitsha and around the world who had been adversely affected by the pandemic.
The Ofala, which is the highpoint of Onicha Ceremonial Cycle, was held this year without the usual display of royal dances, tributes, parades, music, and Arts, in addition to other associated events that characterise the beauty and elegance of the festival.
Rooted in deep spirituality, the Ofala is primarily a celebration by the monarch and his subjects to mark the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period he has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.
His Majesty has recently announced a community-based Economic Empowerment Programme as part of a strategy for medium to long –term sustainable interventions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
The low-key approach of the Ofala celebration was also very evident in the earlier festivals on the annual ceremonial cycle such as Ajachi which kick started the Ofala on June 29, Umatu on August 1, and Owuwa Ji, the celebration of the new yam harvest, which commenced on September 26 and will end on Oct. 17.
Based on governments’ review of the COVID-19 crisis, and consultations with the community constituent groups, Igwe Achebe during the annual event issued proclamation with effect from Oct. 18, which is to allow gradual resumption of communal traditional and social life whilst complying with the extant COVID-19 protocols on hygiene and safety.
