Globacom brought the 2026 Ofala Festival to a magnificent close on Wednesday with a royal banquet in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

The elegant gathering, attended by the monarch, members of his cabinet, Globacom’s trade partners and high-net-worth customers, marked the grand finale of the festival sponsored by the telecommunications and digital solutions company.

Speaking at the occasion, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South-East, Mike Ehumadu, said the event underscored the enduring significance of partnerships between corporate organisations and traditional institutions in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy and sustaining the traditions that give communities their distinctive identity.

He congratulated Igwe Achebe, the Ofala Festival organising committee and the people of Onitsha on the successful celebration of the 2026 edition, reaffirming Globacom’s commitment to initiatives that celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity, strengthen community bonds and project the country’s rich heritage to a wider international audience.

The evening unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of music, comedy and cultural entertainment. Guests were treated to performances from Aniweta Mazeli, Boy o Boy and the Groove Band, while comedian MC Ezegetive infused the gathering with laughter. The performers brought their artistry to bear on the occasion, enriching its atmosphere and creating cherished moments for the royal household, community leaders and other distinguished guests.

In further recognition of the competitive spirit, discipline and communal solidarity displayed by the various Onitsha age grades during the festival, Globacom rewarded winners of the different competitions with cash prizes and trophies. The gesture acknowledged not merely their achievements but also the collective pride and sense of belonging that animate the Ofala tradition. It also presented hundreds of bags of special Basmati rice to all the members of the different age grade associations.

Globacom’s sustained association with Ofala exemplifies the capacity of purposeful private-sector investment to preserve cultural heritage while broadening the social and economic benefits of traditional festivals.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry following a meeting with the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade, FNHT, FRPA, FIMC.

During the meeting, Aare Fagade briefed the President on ongoing reforms across the tourism, hospitality and travel sector, focusing on professional standards, skills development and the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 to strengthen service quality, accountability and industry competitiveness.

As part of the engagement, the NIHOTOUR Director-General presented President Tinubu with the Grand Fellow of National Hospitality and Tourism (GFNHT), the highest singular honour in Nigeria’s tourism sector, conferred by NIHOTOUR.

The President’s pledge of continued support underscores the importance of tourism as a driver of economic diversification, job creation, investment and enterprise development.

Speaking on the significance of the meeting, Aare Fagade said tourism must be recognised not merely as leisure and recreation, but as an economic sector capable of creating opportunities for Nigerians and contributing meaningfully to national prosperity.

He noted that NIHOTOUR’s reforms are designed to strengthen professional competence, improve industry standards and establish a credible regulatory environment in which businesses can thrive and investment can grow.

“Our responsibility is to build the professional and institutional foundations that will enable Nigeria’s tourism potential to translate into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth. The President’s continued support is important to advancing these reforms and positioning the sector for greater national impact,” Fagade said.

The engagement aligns with the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly economic diversification, employment generation and the development of productive non-oil sectors.

NIHOTOUR reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and private-sector stakeholders to build a more professional, competitive and globally recognised tourism industry that delivers lasting value to Nigerians.

The national leader of the Pan Yoruba social-political organisation, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is dead.

The revered elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain passed away at the age of 100, which he celebrated May 11, 2026.

Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti was one of the major twines holding together the Yoruba nation and a bridge linking the politics of the First Republic to the present democratic order in the South West and in the country.

His political trajectory was rooted in progressivism and Yoruba ideals, having imbibed the political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through th Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

During the Second Republic, he served as Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983. He later rose to become the leader of Afenifere following the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, his predecessor.

A foremost Yoruba leader, Pa Fasoranti was one of the NADECO leaders whom the regime of the late General Sani Abacha attempted to assassinate in 1996.

He is regarded as symbol of the never-dying spirit of resistance against forces of tyranny and oppression with his politics never about himself but the advancement of his people, philosophy upheld by his resilience in the face of visible danger and personal losses, including the killing of his daughter by herders on the Benin-Ore road some years ago.

A teacher by training, he attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan, where he bagged a higher degree in English/Geography.

He taught at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and later served as Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School. His dedication to education persisted after retirement, as evidenced by his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.

“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come,” the Governor stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the late patriarch as a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Until his death, Pa Fasoranti remained a towering figure in Yoruba politics and a strong advocate for the unity of the Yoruba people, the supremacy of Yoruba ideals and the betterment of the lot of his people.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as a legacy of service, integrity and leadership.

The Guardian