His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, voiced deep concern over Nigeria’s rising hunger, poverty, and insecurity during his speech at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State. He warned that the country’s political class has turned its attention to the 2027 general elections, leaving millions of Nigerians to endure worsening conditions. According to Achebe, this election‑focused agenda has led to a neglect of governance, which threatens to deepen the nation’s economic and social crises.
Citing the latest World Bank Development Report, the monarch highlighted that Nigeria’s poverty rate has climbed from 40 % in 2018 to 46 % in 2023, affecting roughly 104 million people. He attributed the deterioration to soaring costs of food, transportation, rent and medication, as well as the damaging impact of insecurity and violence on agricultural production. While praising the federal government’s macro‑economic stabilization measures, Achebe stressed that these efforts must be accompanied by transparent, corruption‑free distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable citizens.
Achebe also drew attention to the economic toll of insecurity in the South‑East, referencing an SBM Intelligence report that estimates losses of about N7.6 trillion since 2021 due to disruptions. He called for a reduction in violent crime and expressed hope that the recent conviction of Finland‑based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa might help achieve this goal. With the Anambra off‑cycle governorship election looming, the Obi urged peace, transparency and robust voter participation, lamenting the low turnout in recent voter registration exercises in the South‑East.
Despite these challenges, the 2025 Ofala Festival retained its traditional splendor, drawing dignitaries and visitors alike. Achebe’s message emphasized resilience and unity among Nigerians, echoing the refrain of his earlier address: “Better. Stronger. Together.”
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