EDWARD NNACHI writes on the high cost of living in Ebonyi State and its resultant effect on its residents, who voiced out their concern in this report Nearly two years after the transition of power from former Governor David Umahi, now Minister of Works, to the current Governor Francis Nwifuru, the economic reality in Ebonyi State remains bleak. Once considered one of the more rural and agriculturally rich states in Nigeria’s South-East, Ebonyi has continued to rank among the poorest in the country. What compounds this paradox is that, despite its poverty levels, Ebonyi is now being cited as one of the states with the highest cost of living, especially in its capital, Abakaliki. While reports and surveys have consistently pointed to the dire economic conditions in the state, including widespread unemployment and social deprivation, the situation has significantly worsened in recent months. The cost of basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation has soared, putting immense pressure on a population that largely depends on subsistence farming and civil service jobs. Poverty meets inflation Many residents have expressed frustration that, despite being an agrarian state, Ebonyi is facing unprecedented food inflation. According to studies and anecdotal evidence, a significant percentage of Ebonyi’s population survives on low and inconsistent incomes. What some critics have referred to as “a state where the only viable industry is politics” has become a hotspot of inequality, where the few who are well-connected thrive, while the majority struggle with basic needs. The current economic climate has reportedly pitched residents against one another as they scramble to secure daily sustenance in an increasingly harsh environment. Residents speak out One of those bearing the brunt of the economic downturn is a 35-year-old civil servant, Mrs. Liliana Agwu. Speaking with our correspondent in Abakaliki, Agwu painted a grim picture of daily life in Ebonyi. “The standard of living in Ebonyi, especially Abakaliki, is far higher than in most states around. Rents have gone through the roof. Every morning, landlords seem to wake up and just decide to add more to rent,” she lamented. She noted that the price disparity between Abakaliki and other regional capitals like Awka and Enugu is troubling. “A three-bedroom apartment here costs between N800,000 and N1.2 million, while in places like Awka or Enugu, you can get the same kind of apartment for N350,000 to N500,000. How did we get here? Even in cities like Lagos and Abuja, you expect such prices only in upscale areas – not in a place like this.” Agwu also decried the rising cost of food, despite the state’s agricultural potential. “We used to be proud that food was affordable here. Not anymore. You can’t even say it’s yam or garri season anymore – everything stays expensive all year round. The hardship is continuous and unrelenting.” She called on the government to urgently engage with landlords and market stakeholders to bring relief to suffering citizens. ‘Abakaliki unaffordable’ Similarly, 40-year-old banker Mr. Onunogbu Chinedu, who resides in Abakaliki but hails from Abia State, described his experience living in Ebonyi as a bitter contradiction. “Back in Abia, we used to think Abakaliki was where you could get cheap food, especially staples like yam and garri. But after living here for years, I can tell you that assumption is no longer valid. Prices are ridiculously high here,” he said. Chinedu linked the hike in living costs to excessive taxation and levies imposed by the government. “Market traders say taxes are too high. That cost gets passed on to buyers. The ripple effect is everywhere – food prices, transport fares, rent – all are affected.” He also pointed fingers at what he described as the unchecked rise of internet fraudsters, commonly called “Yahoo boys,” who, in his words, have driven up housing costs in the city by flooding the market with illicit wealth. “Now, a three-bedroom apartment in my area costs between N700,000 and N1.3 million. How do you expect someone earning N70,000 monthly to survive with a family? The math doesn’t add up.” He urged the government to establish a rent control task force to prevent exploitative landlord behaviour. Policies under scrutiny This prevailing economic hardship has brought into sharp question the effectiveness of Governor Nwifuru’s administration. Nearly two years into his tenure, many Ebonyians say they are yet to feel any tangible improvement in their living conditions. With fuel, transportation, and food prices skyrocketing, and salaries remaining stagnant, most workers in the state are experiencing diminished purchasing power. The collapse of the Naira’s value has further worsened the situation, eroding whatever gains may have come from marginal salary increases. Small and medium-sized businesses are also bearing the brunt. Many owners have closed shop due to poor patronage, high operational costs, and a general decline in disposable income among the population. Stakeholders voice concern Chief Godwin Udu, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, joined the growing chorus of concerned voices. Known popularly as “Godino,” Udu criticised the Nwifuru administration for failing to shield the populace from worsening economic pressures. “Our people are suffering terribly. It’s no longer something we can hide. Residents can no longer breathe under the weight of high rents and inflated prices, especially in Abakaliki,” he said. Highlighting the absurdity of the real estate pricing in the capital, Udu compared it to Abuja. “I live in Abuja where I pay N1.4m for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Yet, my family in Abakaliki pays almost N1m for a similar apartment. What kind of madness is this?” Investors at risk Point of Sale operator, Mr. Nwigbo Chinagorom, echoed Udu’s sentiments and warned that the current trend could discourage business investments in Ebonyi. He said, “Rents here are even higher than in commercial cities like Onitsha, Aba, or Port Harcourt. It’s driving investors away. What entrepreneur wants to open a shop where the cost of operations is this high and customers have no purchasing power? “There’s no economic activity, yet the cost of living keeps rising. It’s a recipe for disaster.” Academia not spared The crisis extends to the academic sector. A lecturer at Ebonyi State University, Mrs. Maria Nkwede, shared her distress over the economic climate. “Everything in the markets is expensive. Salaries have slightly increased but inflation has outpaced any benefit from that. I used to do more with $10 than I can now. The value of money has practically vanished,” she said. “People are mentally drained. We’re living in survival mode, not thriving.” Journalists demand action Recognising the severity of the issue, the Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists recently convened and issued a communique urging legislative action. The union called on the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to urgently pass a rent control law to protect residents from what they described as “shylock landlords and house agents.” In the communique signed by Comrade Samson Nwafor (Chairman) and Comrade Nnamdi Akpa (Secretary), the union also lamented the absence of basic infrastructure such as clean, running water in many communities. “Congress observed that many residents are not enjoying pipe-borne water, despite state government efforts. We appeal to the Commissioner for Water Resources to urgently address issues of broken pipelines and restore proper water reticulation,” the statement read. “The rate at which house rents are increasing in Ebonyi is alarming. If something is not done, more people will be pushed below the poverty line.” Government yet to respond Efforts to obtain official responses from key state officials have so far been unsuccessful. Messages sent to Mr. Leo Oketa, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, were not returned. Similarly, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Jude Okpor, and the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Francis Ori, were yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent at the time of this report. As Ebonyi State continues to grapple with deepening poverty and a rising cost of living, the silence and inaction from the government risk further alienating a disillusioned population. From market traders to civil servants, students to entrepreneurs, the cry is the same: “We are suffering, and we need help.” Without immediate and sustained intervention, the current economic trajectory of Ebonyi could result in not only social unrest but a long-term developmental setback for the state. The ball is now in the court of Governor Nwifuru’s administration to act decisively, implement policy reforms, engage stakeholders, and provide lasting relief to the people of Ebonyi State.

Acting director David Richardson addressed FEMA after congressional testimony led to the removal of his predecessor. The new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States has warned his staff that he will not tolerate any resistance to President Donald Trump’s agenda for the organisation. Friday was the first full day of David Richardson’s leadership at FEMA, after the agency saw a shake-up at its helm earlier this week. But he began his tenure as head with a stark warning for the agency. “I — and I alone in FEMA — speak for FEMA. I’m here to carry out the president’s intent for FEMA,” he reportedly told staff in an agency-wide call. He predicted that 20 percent of the staff would oppose Trump’s vision for the FEMA, which he has pledged to dismantle. “Obfuscation, delay, undermining. If you’re one of those 20 percent of people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you,” Richardson said. “Don’t get in my way,” he added. “I know all the tricks.” FEMA is the agency charged with coordinating and carrying out the federal government’s response to natural disasters and other emergencies, ranging from hurricanes and flooding to domestic attacks. But it has long been criticised for lagging response times, inadequate resources and disorganisation, particularly during major disasters like 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, which displaced tens of thousands of residents in Louisiana and killed more than 1,300 people. Trump has responded to such criticisms by pledging to do away with FEMA altogether and redistributing its functions to individual states. “ When there’s a problem with the state, I think that that problem should be taken care of by the state,” Trump said in January. “That’s what we have states for. They take care of problems. And a governor can handle something very quickly, you know?” During his campaign for re-election in 2024, he also spread falsehoods about the agency, including that it had refused to offer relief to Republican residents in North Carolina, which had recently suffered widespread flooding from Hurricane Helene. Since taking office in January, Trump has followed through with his plans to restructure the federal government, reducing the funding and staff to independent entities like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Trump and his allies have framed the cuts as necessary to combat “fraud” and “waste” across the government, though he has not offered definitive proof of wrongdoing. At FEMA, an estimated 2,000 employees were terminated or accepted buyout offers to resign. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report indicated that FEMA only had 5,000 full-time staff members, as well as a group of reservists and emergency-response workers who could be called up to address a crisis. To become the administrator of FEMA requires undergoing a Senate confirmation hearing and a vote. But while those Senate hearings continue for high-level government positions, Trump has named interim leaders to govern the organisation in the meantime. Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, served in that role since Trump started his second term. He had been a prominent critic of FEMA during the administration of former President Joe Biden. But his time as FEMA chief came to an abrupt halt earlier this week, in the wake of an appearance before an appropriations subcommittee in the House of Representatives. At Wednesday’s hearing, a Democratic Representative, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, asked Hamilton about the idea that FEMA could be shuttered. Hamilton responded with measured opposition. “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he said. He added that it was ultimately not his decision to make and criticised FEMA as part of an “overextended federal bureaucracy”. “I’m not in a position to make decisions and impact outcomes on whether or not a determination such as consequential as that should be made. That is a conversation that should be had between the president of the United States and this governing body,” Hamilton told the committee. But the very next day, Hamilton was removed from his role as FEMA’s interim head and replaced by Richardson, a Marine veteran. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Hamilton’s removal was related to his testimony at the subcommittee hearing. “My understanding is that this individual testified saying something that was contrary to what the President believes and the goals of this administration in regards to FEMA policy,” Leavitt said. “And so, of course, we want to make sure that people in every position are advancing the administration’s goals.” Critics, including Representative DeLauro, blasted the switch-up as indicative of a White House that will not tolerate dissent, even when necessary. “The Trump administration must explain why [Hamilton] has been removed from this position,” DeLauro said in a statement. “Integrity and morality should not cost you your job.” Richardson, meanwhile, has proceeded to set a stricter tone for his tenure, with his fiery Friday phone call. He warned FEMA staff that any actions not “within our missions” would be considered a waste of taxpayer funds. “We’re going to find out how to do things better. We’re going to find out how to push things down to the states that should be done at state level. Also we’re going to find out how we can do more cost-sharing with the states,” he said. Trump has been criticised for denying requests for assistance, including from Republican-led states like Arkansas, which suffered tornadoes during the week of March 14, destroying neighbourhoods. Multiple deaths were reported. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders — who worked as Trump’s press secretary during his first term — has written to the president to appeal his denial of aid. “Since 2023, Arkansas has experienced an unprecedented frequency of disasters, with four federally declared disasters and ten state-declared disasters. These overlapping events have severely strained the capacity of state and local agencies to respond and recover effectively,” Huckabee Sanders wrote. “Many Arkansans are still living in temporary conditions or repairing damages from previous events, only to be displaced or impacted once again. The state and its citizens are in dire need of assistance to recover, rebuild, and mitigate further loss.” Follow Al Jazeera English:...

Nigerian actress, director and movie producer, Chioma Chukwuka tells Naomi Chima about her role in the movie, Seven Doors, among other issues How did you start your journey in the entertainment industry? I initially thought I was going to be a musician. There was a recording studio in front of our house in Surulere then, and I would sit every evening singing along to the oldies, imagining myself performing to a crowd. That desire to sing was strong, but as time passed, I realised I had more talents to explore. In secondary school, I joined a drama group and discovered that I could express myself through acting as well. Watching Bollywood films and Nollywood legends like Stella and Liz Benson deepened my passion. I tried several auditions, but they didn’t work out. Then one day, while walking to the bus stop for school, a producer noticed me and called me for an audition. He said I fit the role he was looking for, and that’s how I got my first acting job. But it wasn’t easy—after that role, I had to wait almost a year for the next gig. That’s how my journey into acting began. You mentioned wanting to be a musician when you were younger. Do you still sing? I still have a deep passion for music, though I’m not entirely sure how to channel that desire at this moment. It’s not my primary focus right now, but music has always been an integral part of me. I continue to enjoy singing and take every opportunity to do so when I can. Everyone who watched Seven Doors could see how much the role touched you. Can you tell us about the character and what drew you to this particular role? A few months before principal photography, Femi Adebayo sent me the script and told me he had me in mind for the role. As an actor, you occasionally receive calls where someone envisions you for a part, but this time, when I read the script, I genuinely felt that the role was meant for me. However, the original shooting schedule conflicted with a course I was taking, which ran into the planned filming dates. Thankfully, the production was eventually pushed back, allowing me to participate. The script itself was captivating. The first version I received was entirely in Yoruba, which initially caught me off guard since I couldn’t fully understand it. But once I got a translated version, everything fell into place. I particularly connected with the character because she’s an Igbo woman. I’ve always gravitated toward roles that allow me to authentically express my heritage, not just play a character. If the role had required me to portray, say, a Hausa woman, I would have done extensive research, but being Igbo, it felt so natural. It was truly a joy to work with such a meaningful script. The story itself was extraordinary. My first question to Femi was, “How did you come up with this idea?” He just laughed, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful that he had selected me for this project. Of course, every role brings its own set of challenges, but the depth of this one made it all the more rewarding. Every role comes with its challenges. What was the most difficult or exciting part of portraying your character in Seven Doors? Part of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming cultural and language barriers. The majority of the cast and crew were Yoruba, and while we all approached the project with professionalism, I had to ensure that my character’s Igbo identity remained integral to the story. This aspect was central to the film, which explored the experiences of an Igbo woman adjusting to a new environment. To authentically portray this journey, I immersed myself deeply in the character’s experience, embracing feelings of isolation and cultural differences as she would. In addition to overcoming the language and cultural divides on set, I had to internalize these experiences as though they were happening to me personally. Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to have a supportive team who were understanding and willing to guide me through their traditions, culture, and norms. This collaboration made communication and cohabitation on set seamless, and I was able to successfully translate those experiences into my performance. The movie explores a lot of emotions and intense drama. How did you prepare mentally and emotionally for such a demanding role? As with any actor, my process began with a deep analysis of my role and how it connected to the broader narrative of the story. I sought to understand what life would be like for an Igbo woman of that era, grappling with cultural and societal challenges, particularly in an unfamiliar environment. My character, deeply in love and having established a life far from home, suddenly found herself uprooted when her husband was appointed king. This shift required her to leave behind all that was familiar and navigate a new world with entirely different expectations. To immerse myself fully in this mindset, I researched similar historical experiences, asked insightful questions, and allowed my imagination to stretch in order to authentically embody the character’s reality. It was all about fully embracing the art of make-believe and completely stepping into her world. You share a strong bond with friends like Uche Jombo, Omoni Oboli, and others. What’s the secret to maintaining such solid friendships, especially in an industry known for its rivalries? Our friendship is more akin to a sisterhood. We recognize that we are all mature women, not young girls competing for attention or recognition. While disagreements and arguments may arise, at the heart of our relationship is a profound respect and love for one another, which is what sustains our bond. We consistently support each other’s work, uplift one another, and ensure that, no matter the circumstances, our friendship remains a top priority. Our profession brings us together, but the deep friendship we’ve cultivated from it continues to thrive. We understand that tempers may flare, disagreements may occur, and there may be periods where we don’t speak for months. However, when the time is right, we reconnect and move forward. The key to our relationship is understanding and rising above those moments, acknowledging that this is not a competition. If someone needs time to themselves, they are free to take it. Ultimately, we are in this for life, and that commitment has kept our bond unwavering. We are always there to support one another. If I have an opportunity that I believe Uche would excel in, I make sure she’s part of it. If I think Ufoma is a better fit for a role, I ensure she gets it. We are each other’s first choice, prioritizing one another before considering anyone else. This mutual support has allowed us to navigate the industry with ease, free from external negativity or unhealthy competition. We celebrate each other’s successes because their triumphs are mine, and mine are theirs. You have been in the industry for a long time. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? The biggest lesson is to move with the trend while remaining true to your craft. The industry is growing, and you must find ways to stay relevant without losing your essence. You must adapt while maintaining your core values. The industry keeps evolving with new talents emerging. How do you stay relevant? I move with the times. The industry is dynamic, and as an actor, you must find ways to adapt while keeping your originality. It’s like upgrading from an analogue clock to a digital one; the clock still tells time, but it evolves with technology. I’m not in competition with anyone—I’m here to maintain a legacy for the younger generation. If you could go back in time, what is one thing you wish you knew before joining the industry? There’s nothing specific. I learned on the job and continue to learn with each experience. When I started, I didn’t aim to know more than I did, but over time, I’ve grown through experience. If I had known everything back then, things might have been different, but I truly value my journey as it has unfolded. Is there one decision you wish you had made differently at the start of your career? Honestly, no. I have faith in God, and I believe He has already set our lives in motion. He knew the course of my journey from the start, and I don’t think there was anything I could have done to alter His plan. My path was meant to unfold exactly as it did, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.You always look radiant and youthful. What is your wellness routine secret? I drink plenty of water and mind my business—simple as that! (Laughs) I try to eat healthy, manage my portions, and incorporate exercise when possible. But mostly, staying stress-free and focusing on what matters helps a lot. If someone were to play your role in a biopic, who would you choose? One individual who comes to mind is Jemima Osunde. She reminds me of how I appeared when I was younger and reflects aspects of my personality. However, I must admit, I find it challenging to respond to questions like this on the spot. I may come up with additional names as I reflect on it further. (Laughs) What advice do you have for new actors, especially those struggling with controversies? Identify what works best for you and remain committed to it. Dedication and consistency are key to success. Strive to be a trustworthy professional—someone that brands can confidently align with, free from any association with scandals. Let the quality of your work speak for itself. You have managed to stay scandal-free in an industry filled with pressure and scrutiny. How do you do it? I just stay in my lane, mind my business, and focus on what’s important—my work, family, friends, and God. There’s no special formula. I simply remain true to myself and my values. Outside of acting and music, what other passions do you have? I am deeply committed to the well-being of mothers and children, having actively participated in numerous initiatives over the years. Notably, I served as a goodwill ambassador for USAID, with a focus on nutrition, an experience that strengthened my belief that the health and empowerment of women and children are foundational to the prosperity of a nation. In addition to my advocacy work, I have a passion for cooking and run an online kitchen dedicated to my late mother’s memory. I also take great pride in mentoring aspiring actors through my master class program, “Master Class with Chioma.” Having successfully launched the first edition, I am now planning the next session, which will either take place later this year or in 2026. I derive immense satisfaction from shaping and nurturing the next generation of actors. As a goodwill ambassador for USAID, what initiatives are you championing to address malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria? As an actor, I embrace every platform that enables us to showcase our craft. Nollywood has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from VHS, VCDs, and DVDs to video-on-demand and streaming services. I’m pleased to see that we’ve adapted seamlessly to these changes. While I choose not to engage in the industry’s politics, I truly appreciate that these new platforms offer increased opportunities for actors to display their talents and receive fair compensation With the rise of streaming platforms, how do you compare the Nollywood of the past to what we have today? As an actor, I welcome every platform that allows us to express our craft. Nollywood has evolved from VHS, VCDs, and DVDs to video-on-demand and streaming. I’m glad we’ve transitioned seamlessly. While I don’t get into the politics of the industry, I appreciate that these platforms provide more opportunities for actors to showcase their talent and get compensated. How do you relax and ease stress? I am an ambivert, but more of an introvert. When you see me outside you will think I am an extrovert. So to relax, I stay at home, recoil, and spend time with family, and friends. I lay my head down and recharge. I have a new YouTube channel where I have to throw in lots of film so I have a lot to do. That’s it. What counsel do you have for women in marriage experiencing some issues that might lead to a divorce or violence? Marriage is a union between two individuals who have committed to building a family and living a life of peace and happiness together. However, if at any point both partners recognize that the relationship is no longer progressing, and they mutually agree to separate, it is their decision to make. In such situations, it is crucial to handle the separation amicably, especially when children are involved, ensuring that emotions are not hurt. I firmly believe in the power of reconciliation, and when God is at the centre of a home, with prayer and mutual effort, any challenges can be overcome and everything can be restored. What if domestic violence is involved, what should the woman or man do? Before a situation reaches a critical point, many people overlook the early warning signs that indicate trouble within a relationship. Both partners must recognize that unresolved issues can lead to significant consequences if left unaddressed. When these signs begin to emerge, it is crucial to seek counselling or therapy promptly. No one suddenly decides to leave a partner without a history of grievances or misunderstandings. These issues often develop subtly over time, weaving into the fabric of the marriage. Addressing them early is essential to preventing escalation. It’s important not to wait until the situation becomes dire before taking action. Fortunately, the government, particularly in Lagos State, offers agencies and resources to assist with such cases; it is up to us to make use of these available support systems. What’s your favourite food?
It really depends on my mood, but I could enjoy beans and plantain anytime, any day! I’m also a big fan of yam TOO, What legacy would you want to leave behind? I want to be remembered as someone who remained steadfast in her journey and accomplished everything she set her mind to. Tell us about your projects and what we should expect from you. I recently launched a new YouTube channel called The Chioma Chukwuka TV, which we officially kicked off in December with the film When Love Spins with over 4 Million views. Since then, we’ve released The Joneses and, just this February, Trapped Flames. The channel serves as a creative outlet for me, allowing me the freedom to explore a variety of roles and showcase my talents without being confined to any one typecast. It’s not just about me—it’s also a platform where I aim to give other actors the opportunity to express themselves. Stay tuned for more films, diverse talents, and plenty of entertainment.

A new report titled, ‘Success Stories in the Creative Industries in Africa and Other Emerging Markets’, has highlighted entertainment company— Chocolate City Group— as one of the success stories in Africa’s growing creative industries. A statement sent to Saturday Beats noted that the report, prepared by PwC Nigeria, Restless Global, and TFCC for Proparco and the European Union’s CreatiFI programme, examines 12 successful African creative enterprises across six countries. It provides valuable insights into sustainable business practices in the region’s creative sector. It added, “Founded over two decades ago, Chocolate City has become a key player in Africa’s creative industries, competing effectively alongside global music giants while maintaining its Nigerian identity and roots. Initially known for pioneering hip-hop music in Nigeria with artistes like MI Abaga and Ice Prince, the company has evolved alongside the explosive global growth of Afrobeats. “Today, it represents some of the genre’s most exciting talents, including Blaqbonez, Young Jonn, Tar1q, and Candy Bleakz. The label has also expanded its services to include artiste management for established acts like afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti, leveraging its industry expertise beyond its roster of signed artists.” The founder and Executive Vice Chairman of the group, Audu Maikori, also noted that the African creative landscape had evolved dramatically over the past two decades. “What’s remarkable is how companies like ours have navigated challenges through diversification and strong partnerships to create sustainable business models. We’ve witnessed the industry transform from a fragmented space to an ecosystem with global recognition, where homegrown companies can compete internationally while preserving their cultural authenticity,” he added.