The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), has expressed concerns about worsening hardship and rising poverty across Nigeria.
The Obi who spoke at the 24th Ofala Festival in Ime-Obi, Onitsha, described the situation as “critical and deeply troubling”.
Igwe Achebe also condemned political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying emerging alliances appear driven by selfish interests rather than the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Highlighting growing insecurity in many parts of the country – especially in the South-East, His Majesty urged authorities to step up efforts to combat violence and restore peace.
This year’s Ofala Festival, themed “Njikọ na Ntachi” (Unity and Perseverance), he said, reflects the nation’s economic struggles and the need for empathy, resilience and collective resolve.
“According to the latest World Bank Development Update on Nigeria, the national poverty rate has surged from 40% in 2018 to 60% in 2023, rising from 79 million to 104 million people now living in poverty,” Igwe Achebe said.
He, however, described access to basic necessities—food, healthcare, transport and housing—as dire, and warned that widespread violence is damaging the agricultural sector.
While acknowledging government macroeconomic stabilization efforts, he called for more targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable.
“We urge the government to urgently provide relief measures and palliatives that will directly reach those most in need, bypassing bureaucratic bottlenecks that often derail such efforts,” he said.
On the political front, Igwe Achebe criticized leaders who are already focused on 2027.
“The political class appears to have shifted its focus entirely to 2027. New alliances are being formed not in service of the people, but for self-preservation and material benefit,” he said.
Addressing insecurity in the South-East, he expressed hope that the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland would help reduce violence and kidnapping in the region.
Igwe Achebe also cited an intelligence report estimating that the region has lost about ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to disruptions from insecurity and violent activities.
He urged the Igbo community and all Nigerians to reflect on the damage caused by a few and to work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
