Why Okpa Fiesta Organisers Turned to Soludo’s New Media Aide as They Prepare for a Bigger Festival

By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes

What began as a cultural gathering built around local food, traditional games and youthful enthusiasm is gradually becoming a bigger ambition. And as the organisers of Okpa Fiesta look towards taking their festival beyond its current reach, they have identified the power of digital visibility and youth-driven partnerships as important parts of that journey.

That was the message behind their visit on Wednesday, November 4, to the Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on New Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, whom they described as one of the people who believed in the festival from its early editions.

Led by Ms Lucia Enahoro, the team came to acknowledge a relationship that has grown over the years, celebrate Okpala’s support for young people and seek stronger collaboration as they prepare for Okpa Fiesta 5.0, scheduled for December 12, 2026.

Enahoro recalled how Opara attended previous editions and went beyond being a guest by participating in the activities, including drinking garri and joining traditional games. For the organisers, those moments meant more than his physical presence. They represented recognition, encouragement and a sense that their youthful effort mattered.

Speaking during the visit, a renowned On-Air Personality with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Ms Uchechukwu Ebonam, said the fifth edition offered the organisers an opportunity to appreciate individuals who had stood by the festival since its early stages.

She explained that the team wanted to use the milestone edition not only to celebrate its progress but also to acknowledge those whose encouragement and support had helped sustain the initiative.

Ebonam said the organisers were determined to grow Okpa Fiesta into one of the biggest cultural festivals in the South-East and Nigeria, drawing inspiration from festivals they had encountered during travels. She noted that achieving this ambition would require stronger partnerships, wider publicity and the involvement of people who could help the brand reach new audiences.

She particularly appealed for support through Okpala’s New Media platforms, explaining that his position offered an opportunity to give the festival greater visibility and attract attention beyond its immediate audience.

They want Okpa Fiesta to become a platform where cultural heritage, young entrepreneurs, entertainment and networking opportunities meet, while creating more avenues for young people to showcase their talents and businesses.

Responding, Opara expressed happiness with the organisers’ consistency and described the festival’s progress through successive editions as evidence of resilience. Recalling his involvement from the early days, he said he was proud to be associated with the brand and assured the team of his continued support.

He, however, explained that the politically charged nature of social media engagement, particularly as the election season approaches, sometimes makes him cautious about publicly promoting activities and brands associated with friends.

According to him, social media users can easily interpret ordinary cultural and social engagements through partisan political lenses. He nevertheless indicated his willingness to talk about Okpa Fiesta and support its publicity, while making a distinction between promoting a cultural initiative and taking partisan positions.

His response highlighted a challenge facing youth-led initiatives seeking to build recognisable brands: securing wider digital visibility while keeping their identity focused on their core mission.

For the Okpa Fiesta team, that mission remains clear: preserve culture, create opportunities for young people and build an event capable of attracting attention beyond Anambra.

The presentation of a gift to Okpala and the formal invitation to the December 12 event rounded off the visit. But beyond the gesture of appreciation, the organisers are looking towards a partnership that could help take the festival to a wider audience.

As Okpa Fiesta approaches its fifth edition, the ambition is no longer just to stage another event. It is to build a cultural brand with the capacity to travel, connect people and create opportunities for the next generation.