Every culture has traditions that tell its story, and in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Ofala Festival remains one of the most enduring expressions of that heritage.
Celebrated on October 16, 2026, the festival brought renewed attention to the traditions, institutions and community ties that continue to shape the identity of the Onitsha kingdom.
Held in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Ofala is more than a date on the cultural calendar. It represents a continuing relationship between the kingdom’s history and its people, providing a platform for established customs to be observed and passed on to future generations.
The significance of the festival lies not only in its royal ceremonies and cultural displays, but also in what they represent. Traditional institutions serve as custodians of collective memory, preserving practices and values that help communities understand where they come from and what they share.
Central to these royal ceremonies was the traditional pouring of libations using Seaman’s Schnapps. Elders and traditional titleholders rained blessings for the peace, prosperity, and longevity of the Onitsha kingdom, reinforcing Seaman’s longstanding role as the Original No.1 Prayer drink used for sacred rituals and cultural blessings.
Speaking at the event, Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, said, “Seaman’s has always been the spirit of sacred cultural rites. By honoring the Obi of Onitsha and engaging the youth during this year’s festival, we are ensuring that the spirit of our culture is passed on with pride and reverence.”
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Through Ofala, these traditions remain part of everyday cultural consciousness rather than distant accounts of the past, this enduring connection between heritage and community is one that Seaman recognises through its brand philosophy, The True Spirit of Our Culture. For the brand, Ofala represents another opportunity to celebrate the cultural expressions that give Nigerian communities their distinct identities. Its association with the festival reflects an appreciation of heritage that goes beyond appearances to recognise the people, customs and shared experiences that sustain it.
Nnenna Uche Onyenacho, Seaman’s Schnapps Senior Brand Manager, stated that, “Ofala is a powerful expression of the traditions, values and history that define the Onitsha kingdom. At Seaman’s Schnapps, we believe in celebrating the cultural heritage that connects our people to their roots, and we are proud to be part of occasions that preserve these traditions and inspire future generations to embrace them.”
Beyond the traditional rites, Seaman’s maintained a prominent presence at the festival grounds with an immersive experiential setup designed to engage visitors and celebrate Onitsha’s rich heritage. Demonstrating deep reverence for the throne, the brand team paid a formal homage to the monarch, presenting gifts directly to the Obi of Onitsha, in honor of his reign and leadership.
As the brand driving the “Back to My Roots” campaign, Seamans Schnapps believes that cultural continuity does not require traditions to remain confined to the past. Rather, it depends on ensuring that their meaning is understood and appreciated by each new generation. When young people participate in cultural celebrations, they become part of the process of keeping those traditions alive.
Ofala also holds significance for people beyond Onitsha, including Nigerians living away from home who seek ways to maintain their connection to their cultural origins. Such celebrations reinforce the idea that heritage can remain a source of belonging regardless of where people live.
Seamans’ connection to this cultural moment reflects its commitment to celebrating the traditions that make Nigerian identity distinctive. The brand recognises that culture is sustained through the continued appreciation of its history, the participation of its people and the passing on of its values.
As the Ofala Festival once again brought attention to Onitsha’s cultural legacy, it offered a reminder that heritage is not preserved by remembrance alone. It endures when communities continue to practise their traditions, share their stories and create opportunities for future generations to experience their significance.
For Seamans, celebrating this spirit means recognising the cultural connections that unite communities and supporting the continued visibility of the traditions that make Nigerian heritage worth preserving.
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