The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed concern over rising hardship in Nigeria, stating that more citizens are being pushed below the poverty line amid persistent insecurity and economic difficulties. In his royal message to mark the 2026 Ofala festival, titled 'Celebrating 500+ Years of the Onitsha Monarchy,' he cited a World Bank development update which stated that about 104 million Nigerians were classified as poor in 2023. The monarch said the situation had been worsened by persistent insecurity in several parts of the country. He also recalled the recent visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu, during which the clerics raised concerns over national security and the severe economic hardship facing the majority of Nigerians.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
