Obi of Onitsha Igwe Achebe Calls for Action on Poverty

Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, marked the 24th Ofala Festival and called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action against worsening poverty and insecurity. Speaking at the Ime-Obi square, he highlighted that the World Bank reported 104 million Nigerians were classified as poor in 2023.

Achebe expressed disappointment over government officials politicizing the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops Conference during their visit to President Bola Tinubu in July 2026. He stated that issues such as hunger, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare are pervasive in Nigeria.

Achebe encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the upcoming 2027 elections, urging non-partisan stakeholders to advocate for free and fair elections. He stressed that citizens must vote to avoid marginalization and that all political parties should engage in issue-based campaigns.

The Ofala Festival served as a time for thanksgiving and supplication for peace and development in Onitsha.