Eze Eberechukwu Oji Calls for Togetherness as Christmas Festivities Kick Off in Arochukwu Kingdom 

His Royal Highness Eze Ibom Isii Eze Amos Egbu Okoro has urged all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom to unite and make the community a desirable place to live.

Speaking during the Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Civic Centre, Oror in Arochukwu on Wednesday, while wishing the community a joyful celebration, HRH Eze Amos, representing His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, commended the organisers of the Carol. He called for greater reflection on the community’s way of life, encouraging positive unity by drawing lessons from the preparations for the coming of Jesus Christ.

In his sermon, Reverend Udo Aha of Christ Ascension Church, preaching around the theme of the festival; Aro Renaissance: the Reign of Jesus Christ in Arochukwu, explained that Christmas signifies God’s deliverance from sin and asked the congregation if they had been saved, emphasising that the Saviour has come to free us from sin.

Referencing Luke Chapter 2, which recounts the birth of Christ from the annunciation by the Angel Gabriel, Reverend Udoh stated that during this season of preparation, it is vital to avoid all forms of sin and to make a conscious effort to welcome our Saviour.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Mazi Zulu Ofoelue, appreciated the organisers of the Interdenominational Carol of Nine Lessons, led by Reverend Victor, praising their excellent work. He commended the choirs for their singing, promising that next year’s event will surpass this year’s. He expressed gratitude for their perseverance in preparing for the Carol and prayed for God’s abundant blessings.

Reverend Victor Onwumere, Chairman of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol Sub-Committee, reminded attendees to respect authority and praised those who followed instructions diligently. He also presented a cheque of N50,000 to the Cherubim Choir, courtesy of Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji.

A highlight of the event was the choir competition involving the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Choir, Angelica Church Arochukwu Choir, Catholic Church Arochukwu Mass Choir, Methodist Church Arochukwu Choir, Cherubim and Seraphim Church Arochukwu Choir, Winners Church Arochukwu Choir, Hugh Goldie Chaplaincy Choir Arochukwu, Assemblies of God Church Arochukwu Choir, Ohafia Choir, and Ozu Abam Choir, with Cherubim and Seraphim Church Choir emerging as the winners, receiving a cash prize of N50,000.

Present at the event were the Very Reverend Nkem Ofoelue, Secretary of the Committee of Nine Lessons, who coordinated the proceedings; Rt Reverend N. O. Okereke; Pastor P.C. Ugoagha; Pastor David Nwaogu; Reverend Clinton I. Okoro, Apostle Elvis Anicho, Pastor Anyi Samuel, Pastor Agha Emmanuel, Reverend Benjamin O. Aka, Reverend Ambassador James I. Kanu, Pastor Onyebuchi Nwamuoh, Pastor Nwankwo Chukwudi, and Bishop Edwin Nwigwe and a host of other dignitaries.