By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has blamed the rising cost of living in the country on the government inability to address security challenges and worsening economy.
Achebe disclosed this at 23rd Ofala festival 2024 held at Ime Obi Onitsha, while speaking on the theme, "Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance”, an occasion which he explained that it was aimed at fulfilling his obligations, including promoting peace, unity and development in Onitsha, Anambra and Nigeria by extension.
The monarch, while lamenting that the challenges facing the country included youth restiveness and sudden removal of fuel subsidy, urged the federal government to quickly address the problems before it degenerate into a catastrophe hard to scale through.
"Ofala last year, I stated that the previous twelve months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy.
“Unfortunately the wellbeing of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last twelve months leading to the ten day national protest in August 2024 tagged Endbadgovernance.
“The two areas of most concern are the economy and security. Their combined effects are the spiraling rise in the cost of living business closures,loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government, ” he recalled.
According to him, several individuals and organizations including Iba Gani Adams , The Patriots, League of Nigerian Columnists, Yoruba Council of Elders , Afenifere and Arewa Consultative Forum have variously drawn the attention of the government to the looming catastrophe if no constructive action is taken to reverse the decline.
“They have urged the government to give urgent attention to it’s fundamental constitutional responsibility, namely the security and wellbeing of the citizenry. Some of the specific views put forward include the devolution and down sizing of governance the nexus between insecurity, agriculture and high cost of living the impact of fuel price on the cost of living, bad governance driven by corruption and ostentatious life style of the political leaders” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Okechukwu Mike Areh, disclosed that the 2024 “Ofala Eze Onicha," was a call to action, which all should tap into due to their inner strength, collective resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another.
“The theme resonates deeply with our people’s resolve to overcome adversity. As we navigate the challenges of our time, we draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of our ancestors. We are proud to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote unity among our people”, he noted, adding that the Ofala festival holds from October 18th to October 19th, 2024.
Areh further expressed gratitude to sponsors of the festival, including Globacom ltd, and International Breweries Plc, for their continued support, including invited friends and other spirited Nigerians.
He regretted that the Ofala Youth Carnival organised by the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), would not hold this year as a mark of respect for the murdered leader of the OYC, Barr Ernest A.B.K Offiah.
He, however, disclosed that other events would hold, including, the tenth edition of the international art exhibition (Oreze X), a Medical/health outreach and the 2024 edition of “Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Lecture”, to be delivered by Prof. Pat Utomi on- “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria”: The Public Relations Approach.
Also speaking, the Editorial Publicity Lead, Ofala Steering committee, Mr Tony Nezieanya assured that adequate arrangements, including security were in place to maintain peace and wellness throughout the festival.