Ofala Festival: Obi Achebe Calls for Economic, Security Summit

During the 23rd Ofala Festival in Onitsha on Friday, His Majesty Obi Nnameka Alfred Achebe urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a non-partisan national summit focused on economic and security issues.

This appeal arises in response to the urgent challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the areas of economic stability and public safety.

Igwe Achebe emphasized the urgent need for the government to uphold its constitutional responsibility to protect the well-being of its citizens. He pointed out that numerous concerned Nigerians and organizations have raised warnings about a looming crisis that requires immediate and comprehensive action.

In his remarks, he reflected on the turbulent events of the past year, highlighting the political uncertainty following the general elections, the surge in insecurity, and the sudden removal of fuel price subsidies.

“The well-being of our nation has further deteriorated, evidenced by the ten-day national protest in August 2024 under the banner #EndbadGovernance. The two primary areas of concern—economy and security—have resulted in soaring living costs, business closures, job losses, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness and distrust in the government,” he stated.

Igwe Achebe highlighted the widening gap between the leadership and the people, underscoring the damaging effects of corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders. He expressed concern over the alarming increase in violent crime in the Southeast, where the threat posed by unknown gunmen has forced the closure of schools and markets, placing heavy economic strains on the Ndi Igbo community.

The theme of this year’s festival, “Courage, Perseverance, Self-Reliance” (Onye kwe, Chi’e Ekwe), underscores the pressing need for self-sufficiency as citizens contend with the government’s inability to meet its fundamental responsibilities.

Obi Achebe also hailed Ofala Onicha as a cultural landmark, both in Nigeria and internationally. He highlighted ongoing efforts to garner support from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, along with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in pursuit of UNESCO recognition for Ofala Onicha as a world heritage cultural festival. This initiative seeks to enhance the festival’s global standing and highlight its importance as a unifying cultural event.

Oluchi Okwuego