•Ancient Arochukwu kingdom showcases legacies, takes leap for greater heights
For five days, from December 24, 2024, the ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Arochukwu Local Government, Abia State, was the cynosure of cultural throwback, glamour and spiritual reawakening. It was Aro Day, a yearly feast of the people, which provides a platform for celebration, deep introspection and setting agenda for the future.
Each passing year, the leadership of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide strives to notch up the celebration. The 2024 edition, with the theme Honour for Distinguished Champions of Aro Renaissance, Peace and Community Development was reminiscent of the 2024 Ikeji Aro Festival.
It was indeed unique, being the first that Dr Eberechukwu Oji featured since ascending the throne of his forebears as Eze Aro the 9th of Arochukwu. He superintended the conferment of honours on deserving sons and daughters of Arochukwu. The recipients were chosen from the academia, industry, politics, sports, et cetera.
In his “Illuminating the Aro Spirit” speech, Eze Aro said: “Join hands with me and Ndi Eze, Eze Ibom Isii and Eze Ezeagwu. Let’s unite and develop our community. Let’s utilise the individual opportunities we have to serve our people. Offer yourself to serve. The kingdom needs you more than you need it.”
He insisted that the awardees were selected through a meritorious and rigorous process: “We celebrate our women for their achievements. To all Umu Aro, our future is not only bright today, but it is also luminous.
“As we celebrate, united in purpose and heritage, we reflect on the extraordinary journey of resilience of our people, recognizing the collective achievements of Umu Aro. Each recipient embodies what it means to be among Umu Aro – representing individual community spirit, resourcefulness, and resilience.”
Special Guest of Honour, Governor Alex Otti, emphasised his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure throughout the State. He revealed plans to significantly reduce travel time to Arochukwu LG by fixing key roads leading to the community, particularly with the flag-off of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road project.
He disclosed initiatives to retrofit and renovate schools, adding that the State Hospital would soon be available for public use: “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 Oji for his dedication to the development of the kingdom and encouraged him to continue advancing the community. He also lauded singer Chinedu Okoli, aka Flavour.
President General, Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, had earlier emphasised that “community development is vital for a thriving society. All indigenes of Arochukwu have vital roles to play in fostering the growth and advancement of the community.
“Self-reliance and community empowerment are hallmarks of Arochukwu, which is why the kingdom honours individuals who have distinguished themselves through their services to the community. The awards represent fitting tribute to those who have faced challenges, but utilised their talents and resources to create a cycle of growth and development.”
Chairman at the occasion, Mazi Goddy Ijeomah (Ugwu Aro), said: “We honour those who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary service to the kingdom. It’s not just an award; you have shown what it means to serve and honour the community. We celebrate you not only for your achievements but also for how you inspire us to contribute to our community. Let us reflect on the values that unite us; unity, pride and heritage.”
The ceremonies began at the Civic Centre, Oror, with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, setting the stage for the main event at the same venue on December 26. Nzuko Arochukwu spiced the day with some innovations in the activities lined up for the celebration. There was royal homage to Eze Aro, through which the people demonstrated their love for the royal family. The monarch offered prayers and blessed them. This was on December 27.
Nzuko Aro leadership had said: “Every ancient kingdom reveres her traditional monarch and Aro would not be different. This is often demonstrated by setting aside a day for all grateful citizens to pay homage to their king. Part of the Yuletide Carnival will be for Aro villages to visit, pay homage and present goodwill massages and gifts to our king, Eze Aro.”
On the same day, Light up Aro, a special project dear to Eze Aro, was launched. It is an initiative of Eze Aro, seeking to erect solar streetlights in all the nooks and crannies of the kingdom. The monarch explained: “The Light-Up Aro project serves as a metaphor for the collective aspirations of our people.”
Earlier in the day, Eze Aro felicitated the Ezinneoma Social Club of Arochukwu during its mass rally and launch. He urged the elderly to live with hope, emphasising that light has returned to the community. He reassured them that no one would be forgotten in Arochukwu encouraging them to have faith.
He commended Ezinneoma for its generosity toward those in need, especially the elderly. He also praised the beneficiaries for coming forward to receive donations from the Ezinneoma Arochukwu Foundation, which supports the elderly in the community.
He encouraged everyone to pray for the foundation: “So it may continue to be strengthened in its mission to care for the aged, as it has done in the past.”
Expressing gratitude to Ugoeze Nneoma Oji for her kindness and support for the Ezinneoma Arochukwu Foundation, beneficiaries assured them of their prayers, asking God to replenish their resources so they can continue to help the needy and elderly in the community.
There was the conferment on Ugoeze Nneoma Oji, the wife of Eze Aro, the award of Ezinneoma of Arochukwu. Eze Aro’s mother, Dr Doris Ekenma Oji, received the Grand Patron Award.
The day’s activities were rounded off at night with a live theatre performance on the legacies of Eze Kanu Oji, titled “Echoes from the Drum.” Earlier in the day, Eze Oji extended invitation to Umu Aro to join him in honouring the legacies of the late Eze Oji, broadcast nationwide and to all Arochukwu Diaspora communities:
“Today, we gather to celebrate Uda Nkwa, meaning ‘Echoes of the Drum.’ We are honouring my grandfather, the late Mazi Kanu Oji, who served as the ruler of the Arochukwu Kingdom for 73 years.
“We warmly welcome all, especially the locals who contributed to bringing this production to life. Mazi Kanu Oji was an enigma, an epitome of intelligence, character, charisma, and integrity. These qualities resonate through the performance we will witness today.”
Executive Producer, Uda Nkwa, Mr. Joseph Edgar, said assembling the performance, which revisits history, posed challenges. Finding a cast and crew and organizing the setting were particularly difficult: “Eze Aro specifically wanted the indigenes of the kingdom to be involved in the production, leading to a search for the right cast.
“The most challenging aspect was creating an epic setting. Building the stage was demanding, but I’m glad we achieved something worthwhile. This is our first production. I’m proud of what we accomplished, especially with just two weeks to prepare.
“The acting was remarkable. If we had performed in Lagos or other major cities, it might have been appreciated even more. But I’m pleased with our results.”
Dr. Ikechukwu Erojikwe, the writer and director of the performance, noted that their first challenge was finding the cast for the play. However, he found it exciting to see talents of all ages participating and being introduced to the world of theatre:
“Reflecting on the life of Eze Kanu Oji was quite emotional for me. This is the kind of leader Nigeria needs, and I am particularly excited about the positive feedback from the audience.”
The electrifying performance which centred on the life and times of Eze Kanu Oji showcased his decision-making, wits and character during the coming of the Europeans to the community years ago and the decisions made at every stage of intricate battle and his preservation of the community for those years.
Also as part of activities lined up for the celebration, an interdenominational Open-Air Crusade was conducted on December 28, which was attended by faithful from across all Christian denominational lines in Arochukwu and beyond.
It was an avenue through which Arochukwu Kingdom and its people gave thanks to God for the successful completion of the Aro Day 2024 ceremonies.
The ceremonies were rounded off on December 30 with the unveiling of the skills acquisition centre at Ugwuavor Village built by Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing (UK branch).
At the unveiling ceremony, the Secretary-General, Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, Mazi Kanu Ohuche, PhD, proposed the establishment of an “Aro Okeigbo Hall of Fame” to honour individuals who have contributed to the development of the Arochukwu Kingdom.
The initiative aims to encourage the current generation to emulate the values and sacrifices of these contributors and to follow in their footsteps.
In his speech titled “Giving Back to Our Community: The Sustainable Pathway to Aro Renaissance,” Mazi Ohuche suggested that the hall of fame should consist of three categories: platinum, gold, and silver.
President General of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, Mrs. Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event, particularly to Eze Aro Dr. Eberechukwu Oji and his entourage.
She praised the UK branch, led by Dr Ely Umeham, for their significant contributions, stating that they listened to the community’s needs and acted accordingly.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Omu Aro Award to the United Kingdom branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing by President General Mrs. Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere.
Music maestro, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour Nabania, was one of the thrills witnessed by the Arochukwu people during the Aro Day 2024 celebration.
The “Ada Ada” crooner, who was invited by Governor Alex Otti, captivated the audience with a selection of his hit songs, much to the delight of residents and guests who attended the celebration.
Flavour expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti for the invitation and his commitment to move the State forward.
The governor shared his admiration for the singer, noting that he had invited him to the event months earlier and was pleased that Flavour confirmed his participation in Aro Day.
He also revealed that the popular “Big Baller” singer performed pro bono, fulfilling a promise to attend the event without charging any fee for his appearance.
The celebration attracted numerous notable personalities and featured cultural performances by Ekpes and other local cultural groups in the community.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from Arochukuw, the Diaspora communities as well as invited guests.
The roll call included Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the Mayor of Arochukwu LG, Chinedu Okereke Ezearu, former Mayor of Arochukwu LG, Sir Joe Ezearu, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, and several other notable personalities.
No fewer than 78 sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom of the homeland and Diaspora communities were honoured with different awards, namely Ugwu Aro (30), Adaukwu Aro (18) and Ikemba Aro (31), not forgetting three awardees who were honoured post-humously.
Not a few commentators applauded the Aro Day 2024 ceremonies as packaged by the Central Planning Committee under the chairmanship of Mazi Adindu Elekwa (Ugwu Aro), Ikemba Aro, Mazi Zulu Ofoelue (Secretary), and the star-studded media team coordinated by Dr Azubuike Okoro (Ugwu Aro).