By Brown Chimezie

Aro Day 2024 celebration was remarkably the most dynamic in the history of the community.

Seventy-nine Arochukwu sons and daughters received prestigious awards of all kinds, a number that exceeded by far every other awards ceremony in other years.

The ceremony was held on December 26, 2024, with Eze (Dr.) Eberechukwu Oji as chief host.

Speaking to the recipients, he urged them, as well as all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom to unite in developing the community through their resourcefulness and resilience.

He stated: “Join hands with me and Ndi Eze, Eze Ibom Isii and Eze Agwu. Let’s unite and develop our community. Let’s utilize the individual opportunities we have to serve our people.

“Offer yourself to serve. The kingdom needs you more than you need it.”

While celebrating the prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom who were awarded the Ugwuaro, Ikemba, and Adaukwu titles, he indicated that these individuals were selected through a meritorious and rigorous process and charged them to continue their commitment to the community.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who was the special guest of honour, stated that his administration is dedicated to improving infrastructure throughout the state. He noted plans to significantly reduce travel time to Arochukwu local government area by repairing key roads leading to the community, particularly with the flag off of the Ohafia-Arochukwu road projects.

Additionally, the governor discussed initiatives to retrofit and renovate schools and mentioned that the State Hospital would soon be available for public use. He articulated his government’s philosophy, stating: “We aim to empower people to become self-sufficient; we want to give you the means to earn, not just provide you with food.”

He applauded Eze Eberechukwu Oji for his dedication to the development of Arochukwu Kingdom and encouraged him to continue advancing the community.

One of the highpoints of the event was the presence of Igbo musician, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, who electrified the occasion with some of his notable hit tracks.

Meanwhile, 78 sons and daughters of the community received awards, including Ugwuaro (30), Ikemba (31), and Adaukwu (18).

A list of Ugwuaro recipients include the following: Mazi Orie Oji, Mazi Okoronkwo Achinivu, Engr Dr Obioha Fubara Okoroafor, Mazi Engr Orji Ulu Kanu, Elder Dr Chima Dike, Mazi Ogbonnaya Kanno, Sir Goddy Adindu Elekwa, Mazi Ikechukwu Jonah Okafor, Mazi Gabriel Ogbonnaya Igboko, Mazi Chima Onwuchekwa Nwana, Mazi Steven Ahamefula Amaramiro, Mazi Kanu Azuturunmuo Kanu, Mazi Dr Jacob Chijioke Nwosu, Mazi Barr Oscar Chukwumah Okoro, Mazi Chris Egeonu Onyeador, Elder Nkemjika Anige, Engr Chinedu Oti, Mazi Obioha Chijioke, Mazi Ijere Emmanuel Kanu, Dr Okey Reginald Okoli, Mazi Emmanuel Okey Nwamara-Aka, Mazi Ikechukwu Ukoha, Prince Boris Chukwuemeka Oji, Mazi Edozie Edmund Obasi, Mazi Udochukwu Udonsi Chijioke, Mazi Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Azuonwu, Mazi Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Nnadozie, Mazi Sweet Chima Asouzu, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo and Mazi Julius C Imuoh.

Ikemba Aro awards were presented to Rev. Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro, Mazi Obozuluike Ofoelue, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoro Nwagbo, Mazi Steven Orji Onoh, Mazi Obaa Nnaemela, Hon. Chimereze Isaac Okoro, Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani, Mazi Barrister Kenneth Ogbonna, Mazi Engr Okwuobasi Ogbonna, Mazi Engr Okoroafor Ekwubiri Chiori, Mazi Ogbonnaya K. Okoro, Mazi George Ikechukwu Okoro, Mazi Aniche Abah, Dr. Inyamah Oji Humphrey, Dr Onyema Steven Edward, Barr. Ogbonnaya Torty, Mazi Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, Sir Innocent Chinedu Kanu, Sir Godwin Obunandife, Mazi Moses Kanu Nwamuo, Mazi Pastor James Ojukwu Kanu, Mazi David Ukachukwu Eze, Mazi Engr Nwabueze Ekubo, Dr. Ochiabuto Igboko, Mazi Chuks Orji, Mazi Austin Otti Nwaka, Lt. Col. Stanley Odionyenfe, Mazi Ikechukwu Ndubuisi Ngwu, Nwamazi Aliche Chijioke Oti, Mazi Chinedu Okparaeke, Mazi Ndubuisi Unto and Mazi Wilson Onwuchekwa.

Adaukwu Aro awards were given to Lady Paulina Goddy Ijeomah, Lady Ijeoma Nnennaya Udensi, Lady Ann Ike-Okoronkwo, Ezinne Eucharia Chinatu Oti, Adamazi Chinyere Odinakachi, Dr Nnennaya Chisom Duke, Nneoma Commy Ukpabio, Dr Mrs Sandra Ifeyinwa Madubuonwu, Adaukwu Mrs Queeneth Ogechi Bialose, Adamazi Edith Nnebumadu, Dr Mrs Catherine Nkechi Ukoha, Adamazi Ely Umeham, Adamazi Veronica Ijeoma Olugu, Mrs Celestina Chibor Alicho Onyebuchi, Dr Mrs Theodora Chidiebere Nwosu, Mrs Gift JK Onwuchekwa, Nwamazi Ngwanma Nnadozie, and Adamazi Nne Nwafor.

In a related development, the Ezinneoma Social Club presented food, cash and clothing gifts to the elderly in the spirit of the Yuletide. At a mass rally and launch of the Ezinneoma Social Club of Arochukwu Kingdom at Aggrey Primary School in Ibom Arochukwu, the group said it decided to support the aged in society, knowing how vulnerable they are, especially in times of emergency.

Speaking on the matter, Eze Oji urged the elderly to live with hope, as none will be forgotten or forsaken, as long as he is the Aro monarch. He also commended the club for their generosity toward those in need, especially the elderly.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of Ugoeze Nneoma Oji, the wife of Eze  Eberechukwu Oji, as the Ezinneoma of Arochukwu Kingdom, while the mother of Eze Aro, Dr Doris Ekenma Oji received the grand patron award.

The impact of Arochukwu women continued to be felt during the celebrations as Nzuko Aro Women, UK Branch decided to surprise the community by donating a completed community hall to the kingdom to be used during different events. The hall came with a skills acquisition centre, which, if fully utilized, would employ many young people in the community.

Speaking at the presentation of the building to Eze Aro in-Council and Nzuko Aro Worldwide, the President of the United Kingdom branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, Dr Ely Umeham, called for increased support for women to build more sustainable structures within the community.

She stated that all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom are stakeholders in the development of the community.

“We are all stakeholders in the Arochukwu project, so let’s come together to support the Light Up Project launched by Eze Aro,” she stated.

The commissioning and handing over Hall took place on December 30, 2024, at Ugwuavo, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State.

She noted that the women have more projects planned and urged all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom to offer their support.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, commended the UK branch of the Women’s Wing of Nzuko Aro Worldwide for establishing the Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, highlighting the importance of supporting women in society.

He remarked that since the emergence of Eze Oji, the community has seen significant improvements. He also acknowledged the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Women’s Wing, Mrs. Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, for her leadership and statesmanship.

“I want to thank Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere for her leadership, as well as the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for their role in commissioning this remarkable structure. I also appreciate the President General of Nzuko Aro, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, for his dedication to strengthening the ties and leadership that elevate UmuAro to great heights,” he said.

Inyom Onyekwere also spoke, stating that establishing the structure in less than two years was a significant achievement. She expressed gratitude to the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for the new facility, which will serve the women of Arochukwu for various events.

“We brought our needs to the Women’s Wing of all branches, and the UK Branch answered the call, completing the construction in just two years. It was flagged off in August 2023, and today, December 30, 2024, we are commissioning it. This hall gives us a venue for our meetings and events, eliminating the need to rent spaces. We have chairs donated by the USA branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing. Thank you all for celebrating with us,” she said.

After the opening ceremony of the Women’s Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, Eze Oji thanked the women for constructing the facility, emphasizing that a grateful heart attracts more good fortune. He encouraged the community to continue supporting the women, who have demonstrated exceptional management skills in handling entrusted funds.

In response, Dr. Ely Umeham, President of the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, presented the structure to the sons and daughters of UmuAro and urged everyone to invest in the project for the community’s development.

“We appreciate your presence and support for our newly built structure. We have more projects to complete, including starting a borehole and restroom facilities. We still have much work to do for the development of Arochukwu Kingdom,” she said.