Obi of Onitsha marks Iru Ofala Festival and calls for economic reform

The Iru Ofala Festival was celebrated in Onitsha, Anambra State, marking over 500 years of the Onitsha monarchy. The event featured traditional music, dancing, and the ceremonial appearance of Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, following a period of seclusion.

During the festival, themed ‘Oga n’Iru Deliberate Progress’, the Obi addressed the state of the nation, urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritize addressing hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and inadequate medical services. He noted that economic hardships have intensified, pushing more Nigerians below the poverty line, and cited World Bank data regarding poverty levels in the country. Additionally, he encouraged citizens in the South-East to engage actively in the 2027 general elections.