Ofala Igwe Achebe Bemoans Rising Poverty, Soaring Cost Of Living
Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha has called on the government to provide palliatives to mitigate the suffering of the masses and ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries directly without bureaucratic bottleneck and diversion.
Achebe made the call in his 2025 Ofala Onitsha message during the celebration of his 24 years on the throne of Ezechima at Ime-Obi, Onitsha Anambra on Friday.
The theme of the festival was “Njiko Na Ntach” translated as ”Better, Stronger and Together”.
The traditional ruler regretted that politicians prioritised the lives and welfare of citizens over political interest.
He said macroeconomic stabilisation measures being pursued by the government was important but it should make urgent provisions that protected the poorest in the population.
Achebe said the reality on the ground was dire, particularly with regard to basic essentials, such as, food, medication, transportation, and house rent.
“The situation is worsened by the unending violence in most parts of the country which affects the agriculture sector very seriously
“Meanwhile, the attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections, alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall.
“There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for the self-preservation and material benefit of those in the game,” he said.
Achebe prayed for peaceful and transparent governorship election in Anambra to enable the electorate to freely determine their choice in the true democratic norm and practice.
He deplored the apathy in Southeast states towards voter registration ahead of the next general elections and called leaders and stakeholders in the region to mobilisethe people to exercise their civic right and responsibility.
Achebe said the violence and kidnapping in Southeast had continued to change forms regretting that it has taken heavy toll on the economy of the region.
“This is the moment for deep reflection among Igbo, Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,” he said .
Achebe said the theme highlighted the importance of unity, resilience and communal values adding that Ofala had continued to grow in stature and expressed hope that it would soon become a UNESCO cultural heritage festival.
He expressed gratitude to God for a successful year and prayed for a better one ahead while appreciating his subjects, guests and partners, Globacom and international breweries for a beautiful Ofala festival.
“As we reflect on the progress of our values reorientation initiative, we remain unrelenting in empowering our community to shift from consumption to production, employee to entrepreneur, individualism to collaboration, and short-term to long-term focus,” he said.
