The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has raised concern over worsening poverty, hunger, and insecurity across Nigeria, warning that political distractions ahead of the 2027 general elections risk deepening the country’s crisis.
Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival held in Onitsha, Anambra State, the revered monarch lamented that while millions of citizens struggle under harsh economic conditions, Nigeria’s political class appeared more focused on building alliances for the next election cycle.
“The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections,” Achebe said in his Ofala address.
According to him, new alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall efforts that seem largely for self-preservation and material gain.
Quoting the World Bank’s 2023 Development Report, the Obi noted that Nigeria’s poverty rate has surged from 40 per cent in 2018 to 46 per cent, translating to roughly 104 million Nigerians now living below the poverty line.
He linked the deepening hardship to spiraling food prices, transport costs, high rent, and inadequate healthcare, all compounded by insecurity that has disrupted farming and food supply chains across the country.
“The reality on the ground is dire. The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously, ” he said
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, the monarch urged that social protection efforts be transparent, accountable, and free from corruption.
“Government must ensure that relief materials and support reach the intended beneficiaries directly, without being sidelined by bureaucracy or corruption,” he said.
Achebe also addressed the continued violence and economic disruption in the South East, referencing the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, which he hoped could mark a turning point in curbing regional insecurity.
He cited a report by SBM Intelligence titled “Four Years of Disruption”, which estimates that the South East had lost more than N7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity and recurring “sit-at-home” orders.
“Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us.This is a moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo, ” he said.
He further decried low voter interest in the region, revealing that during the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South East states excluding Anambra compared to over 848,000 in the South West.
“This is alarming and demands urgent mobilization by our leaders,” the monarch urged.
Despite the sober national mood, the 2025 Ofala Festival retained its colour, pageantry, and cultural significance.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests from across Nigeria and abroad graced the occasion, marking Achebe’s 24th Ofala since ascending the throne in 2002.
The monarch, however urged unity, hope, and resilience among Nigerians.
“Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ That message remains as relevant today as ever,” he said.
