‘Arochukwu Has Potential to Lead’ – Eze Eberechukwu Oji Says, Emphasises Solidarity

Eze Eberechukwu Oji has expressed that the Arochukwu Kingdom has the potential to be a leader both nationally and globally, calling on all UmuAro to come together to help build the Kingdom.

He made this statement during the 6th edition of the All Aro National Conference, which took place at the Civic Centre in Oror, Arochukwu, on Friday. He urged attendees to engage in the intellectual discussions that could harness the community’s inner strength and capabilities to advance the Kingdom and yield long-term benefits.

In his opening remarks, he praised those who travelled from both home and the diaspora, noting that he was unfamiliar with the presence of Aros in places such as Cross River State, Kogi State, Equatorial Guinea, and others. He emphasised the importance of unity among Aros, whether they hail from Aro Ndiizuogu, Aro Ikpa, Aro Uzor, or Aro Uno.

He remarked that all indigenes of Arochukwu, recognised by their faces, serve as a testament that they are children of God, as their name suggests.

The chairman of the ceremony, Dr. Innocent Ezumah, the Lord Mayor of Arondizuogu, stressed the significance of the 6th All Aro National Conference as vital for addressing the socio-economic challenges facing communities in the Arochukwu Kingdom. He championed unity, declaring that the foundation of progress starts with collaboration, and urged attendees to unite for the betterment of Arochukwu.

In his welcome address, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, chairman of the All Aro National Conference Committee, stated that the theme of the conference, “Aro Renaissance: Consolidating Gains and Charting New Frontiers for Aro Kingdom Unity, Peace, and Development,” was prompted by the unhealthy dissonance and disarray present in many Aro diaspora communities and within the homeland.

He highlighted that this disunity has threatened Aro’s cohesion and its ability to maintain its core values and respect within the broader Nigerian community. Development in many communities has suffered as a result of these conflicts.

Ohuabunwa emphasised the opportunity for the people of Arochukwu Kingdom to reconcile disputes, devise strategies to resolve conflicts, and continue the leadership role that Aro has historically played in Igbo land and the larger Nigerian/global community.

The highlight of the event was the performance by Aro Cultural groups and display by formidable masquerades who came out to pay homage to the Eze Aro.

Present at the event also was Eze Ibom Isii, HRH Mazi Amos Egbu Okoro, Mazi Okorafor Uro Eze Ezeagwu na Olwaragwu, HRH Eze Kosman Ndubuisi Kanu Chairman, Arondizuogu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Innocent Mbanefo, Chairman of the Planning Committee Mazi Obi Chijioke, Prof Okoro Ijoma, Chairman, Nzuko Aro Body of National Patrons, Ezinne Chibuzor Onyekwere, PG Nzuko Aro Women’s wing, Dr Kanu Ohuche, Mazi Azubike Okoro, Captain Mazi Eugene Okey Imuoh, Mazi Zulu Ofoelue, Mazi Anicho Okoro, Obasi Praise Genesis, Mazi Dave Imoko Secretary, Nzuko Aro Body of National Patrons, Mazi Anicho Okoro, First Vice President General of Nzuko Aro, Barr Oscar Okoro, Mazi Chris Nnabugwu, Dr Chima Dike, Mazi Sonny Allison, Mazi Udo Chijioke, President General Okennachi Kindred Arochukwu, Mazi PC Okoro, Dr Obioha Okoroafor, Dr Benjack Nwankwo, Mazi Chris Nwosu, Barr Chinedu Okpareke, Secretary General, Arondizuogu Patriotic Union, Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Mazi Ikechukwu Onu, Mazi Okoro Eni Nwaka, Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor, Mazi Adindu Elekwa, Mazi Zulu Ofoelu, Mrs Ogechi Bialose First vice President General Nzuko Aro women wing, Mazi Ijoma Ijoma, Mazi Ugo Okoro Palace Secretary, Mazi Emma Onyema, Mazi Emma Odinakachi
President Nzuko Aro New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Tennessee and numerous other attendees.