Ohuhu, Abia State – In a stark reminder that national development must be gauged by the condition of its most remote communities, HRH Eze Bobby Aguocha, Grand Patron, Ezenaebiri and Ohuruzo of Umuohuru Kingdom, has stated that “the yardstick of measurement in Nigeria should be the rural areas. Until they begin to do as well as those in the city, we are not doing well.”

Speaking ahead of the upcoming holiday season, the traditional ruler questioned the affordability of a decent Christmas lunch for many rural dwellers and highlighted the precarious health status of those living outside urban centres: “As the holidays are fast approaching, how many in the rural areas can afford a good Christmas lunch? How many are healthy enough to believe they will be alive to witness this Christmas?”

The revered monarch stressed the vital link between health and national wealth, noting, “Health is wealth and that statement is significant. I am really tired of burying the dead when their death could have been prevented if there had been adequate medical attention.”

He lamented the frequent loss of Elders with wisdom in our communities and pointed out that “Most of our communities no longer have aged elders in their nineties. These were men who traditionally held our lands together for us, while calling on our ancestors for daily intercessions over unruly behaviors in our various communities. Their indepth wisdom and knowledge of the land can not be overemphasized. Old age is about maintenance, without adequate Healthcare benefits and welfare package, they will not survive to tell our stories.”

Concluding his remarks, the monarch expressed a personal conviction: “I’m tired of burials that could be avoided. As a human being with a conscience, I prefer to sleep well and snore like tomorrow is guaranteed to me because someday I will get very old, and I would like to be assured that I will not die out of negligence but at a ripe age to meet my maker.”

HRH Eze Bobby Aguocha’s call underscores the urgent need for policymakers to prioritise rural healthcare and economic development, ensuring that Nigeria’s progress should be measured by the well‑being of its most vulnerable populations.