The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, on Tuesday in his palace in Onitsha kicked off the 2011 edition of Ofala festival sponsored by Globacom.

Reputed as the biggest traditional festival in the South East, Ofala is a cultural extravaganza marking the climax of New Yam celebrations in Igboland. The three-day event is usually celebrated annually in the second week of October.

The opening ceremony was attended by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, traditional rulers of other towns in Anambra and other states of the South East, and other special guests.

Highlight of the day was the emergence of Igwe Achebe from five days of seclusion during which he offered prayers for the wellbeing of his people and attended to his domestic needs himself.

Igwe Achebe stated that as part of the goodies Globacom has brought with the sponsorship, the company plans to build a block of classrooms at the Metropolitan College Onitsha.