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The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has called on government at all levels to take deliberate measures to address the worsening poverty in the Nigeria.
Achebe made the call during the two-day 2026 Annual Onitsha Ofala Festival and 24th since his ascension to the throne at the Ime-Obi square on.
The theme was “Igba mbo, Iga n’ iru,- Strive and Advance”.
Achebe said even though he had warned there had been uncertainties, after the 2023 general elections, hardship had further deepened by 2025 and thrown more people below the poverty line.
“I referred to the World Bank development update on Nigeria that stated that some 104 million people were classified as poor in 2023.
“The situation was worsened by the unending insecurity in most parts of the country.
“I therefore called on the government to make urgent provision for the poorest in our society,” he said.
Achebe aligned with the position of the Catholic Bishops Conference who visited President Bola Tinubu in July, 2026 on the state of the nation, saying it was not far from the reality on ground.
He said the Bishops raised issues of national security and the harsh economic plight of the citizens, which were glaringly evident in the lives of citizens.
Achebe expressed disappointment that some government officials politicised the Bishops’ visit, by claiming that the clergy spoke only for their congregations.
“The officials asserted that all was well in the country, but the truth be told, the issues raised by the Bishops transcend political, religious and ethnic partisanship.
“Hunger, unemployment, poverty and inaccessible medical service, insecurity and such other inadequate factors of human development are pervading in the country,” he said.
The traditional ruler said Nigerians should rise and make good use of the opportunity provided by the upcoming 2027 election to participate actively in the political affairs of their nation.
He said democratic elections were opportunities for the electorate to select the candidates that would deliver the best governance.
He said non-partisan stakeholders, including traditional and religious institutions, town unions and the civil society should intensify their advocacy, mobilisation and enlightenment for a free and fair elections.
He urged all the political parties to abhor violence and engage in healthy, issue-based campaigns to enable the electorate to make the right choices while calling on the electorate in Southeast to shun apathy towards elections and exercise their franchise in the 2027 elections.
“We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalization. In democracy, all votes count, so we must come out to vote,” he said.
Achebe said the Ofala Festival marked the celebration with thanksgiving to God for the Unity and peace among Onitsha people.
He said it was time for annual rituals of gratitude to God for blessings received, atonement for our shortcomings, and supplication for sustained peace and development in our kingdom.
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