Preparations have reached an advanced stage for the highly anticipated centenary birthday celebration of Africa’s longest-serving monarch, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr Kenneth Onyemeke Orizu III (JP).
As part of the build-up to this historic occasion, international organisations such as Mapping Colonial History and the Teaching Artist Institute, Baltimore, have confirmed their participation in celebrating the revered monarch. Their involvement reflects the global interest in the cultural and historical relevance of Nnewi Kingdom and the legacy of its traditional leadership.
Igwe Orizu III, the Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom, will turn 100 years old on October 30, 2025. However, the official centenary celebration has been fixed for December 28, 2025, aligning with his annual Ofala festival, which traditionally holds on the 28th and 29th of December each year.
This year’s Ofala promises to be extraordinary, as it marks not only the monarch’s 100th birthday but also his 62 years on the throne of his forefathers. Over the decades, Igwe Orizu III has remained a symbol of wisdom, unity, and progress for Nnewi, a town famous across the continent for its entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional craftsmanship.
One of the major attractions of the centenary celebration is Egwu Onwa, an African intercultural exchange programme designed by the All Africa Media Network, Ghana, in partnership with the Entertainment Media and Event Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMEPAN). The goal of the event is to bring together royalties, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond to honour the rich traditions, heritage, and communal spirit that define the continent.
Scheduled for December 27, 2025, Egwu Onwa will be hosted at the Igwe Nnewi Palace and is expected to deliver an unforgettable evening of cultural splendour. The programme will feature storytelling, stage drama, traditional dances, wrestling demonstrations, and other immersive cultural displays that highlight the vibrancy of African heritage.
In addition, Mapping Colonial History will power a special art exhibition at the Nnewi Museum located within the palace. The exhibition will showcase historical reflections, artistic narratives, and visual representations that explore Africa’s past while celebrating its resilience and creativity. The presence of such a reputable international project further elevates the significance of the centenary celebration.
Speaking on the preparations, EMEPAN’s Head of Communication, Madu Amaobi Kingsley (Obifaruk), described the upcoming events as a monumental celebration worthy of an exceptional monarch. He stated, “It is going to be a worthwhile experience well deserving of a great servant leader of note,” emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of honouring Igwe Orizu III at 100.
As Nnewi prepares to host guests from around the world, the centenary celebration stands as a powerful reflection of heritage, unity, and the enduring influence of traditional leadership in modern Africa.
