Eze Eberechukwu Oji Honours 32 Umu Aro, Vows to Recognise More Contributors to Aro Growth

His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji has honoured the sons and daughters of the Arochukwu Kingdom, stating that their legacies inspire the people. He encouraged the community to draw strength from their achievements to build a brighter future for the Kingdom and generations to come.

Honourees included Eze Aro Mazi Kanu Oji, Eze Aro Ogbonnaya Okoro, Dr. Alvan Ikokwu, Mazi T.K. Utchay, Senator H.N. Udoh, Mary Slessor, Hugh Goldie, Dr. Nwakanma Okoro, Mazi S.G. Ikoku, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Chief G.E. Okeke, Prof. Chimere Ikoku, Col. Tony Eze, Mazi Okoro Nkwo Kanno, Mazi S.W. Okereke, Mazi S.O. Oti, Rev. Canon Mgbemena, Prof. Simeon Ukpabi, Prof. Anezi Okoro, Rev. Chima Nwana, Dr. Jerry Okoro, Mazi Emma Nwokoro, Nze Dan Orji, Dr. Chukwuma Obioha, Mazi Pita Nwana, Prof. O.C. Nwana, Mazi C. Moore Obioha, Spud Nathan, and Prof. Ernest Ugo.

His Eminence announced that Aro Day 2025 will be dedicated to honouring, posthumously, 100 Umu Aro who made significant contributions to sustaining the Aro Kingdom, both nationally and internationally. He invited all Umu Aro to join in the celebration of these distinguished individuals.

Speaking on the theme of Ikeji-Aro, “Aro Renaissance: Celebrating 100 years of Omu-Aro as a Symbol of Aro Culture and Identity,” Eze Eberechukwu Oji reaffirmed Arochukwu’s legacy as the cradle of Igbo civilization. He acknowledged the civilisations of Mazi T.K. Utchay for conceptualising Omu-Aro and celebrated the ingenuity of Mazi S.W. Okereke, Mma Mary Okoro, and Mma Mgbeke Ukwu Eni for their roles in globalising Omu-Aro.

Additionally, Eze Eberechukwu Oji empowered 19 youths selected from the 19 villages in the Kingdom, assuring the community that no child of Arochukwu will be left behind. He encouraged the people to remain focused on learning and advancing their businesses for greater improvement.

The highlight of the event was the competition among the 19 villages, with Atani taking first place, Ugbo coming in second, Obinkita in third, Ujari in fourth, Amoba in fifth, and Asaga in sixth position. Furthermore, Isimkpu village won the award for the most organised crowd, while Ugbo village was recognised as the most innovative group. Trophies and cash prizes were handed over to the respective villages by Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide as an appreciation for their hard work and motivation for others who may wish to emulate them.