Arochukwu Kingdom: 100 Heroes and Heroines to Be Honoured – Mazi Orji

Mazi Chimezie Orji, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, revealed that 100 heroes and heroines will be honoured during Aro Day 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Newsleverage, he explained the criteria for selecting these distinguished individuals from the Arochukwu Kingdom.

For clarification, what is your name?

My name is Mazi Chimezie Orji, Ugwuaro, and I serve as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for Aro Day 2025.

How has the process been so far?

It has been progressing very well.

As the Chairman of the CPC, what can we expect today?

We anticipate witnessing what Umu Aro is renowned for. The Arochukwu Kingdom is rich in culture and tradition. We have always been recognised for this, and today is another opportunity to showcase our identity rooted in our customs and traditions. That is what you will observe today.

Based on the programme of events, it appears you will be honouring your heroes and heroines today?

Yes, we will be honouring the individuals who contributed to shaping the Arochukwu Kingdom into what it is today. We are talking about the Aro Renaissance, which would not have been possible without the efforts of past heroes and heroines.

Does this mean all deceased persons from Arochukwu will be honoured, or is there a specific criterion for selecting those to be recognised today?

Of course, we could honour all deceased persons, but there is a specific selection process. This event is not a one-time occasion but will be repeated. As a starting point, we are honouring 100 heroes and heroines from not only Arochukwu LGA but also all enclaves within Arochukwu Kingdom, including Aro Ngwa, Aro Ndizuogu, Aro Ajatakiri, and all Aros in the diaspora.

What is the significance of this initiative, and what impact do you hope it will have?

The aim is to inspire the living to recognise that contributing to community development pays off because recognition will follow. The individuals honoured today had been recognised in their lifetime, some as Ugwuaros, yet they are honoured again today to remind us all that their contributions are not forgotten.

Regarding this four-day event, which began with the Eze Kanu Oji Football Competition, what are your expectations for the youth?

We expect the youth to understand that they are the leaders of tomorrow. We are encouraging their involvement in this programme, to show them that some of us will eventually pass on and create space for them to take over, as we cannot be here forever. Young people are being motivated to participate in the Aro Renaissance and to become stakeholders, which is why they are included in every activity, from the football match to the youth party scheduled for 29th December 2025 at the Civic Centre Oror.

Nzuko Aro has organised a four-day programme, starting with the finale of the Eze Kanu Oji Football Competition and the Carol of Nine Lessons on 24th December. On 25th December, there were private church services at various churches, followed by Aro Day on the 26th, which is the main event. On 27th December, there will be a health walk and marathon race to conclude the festivities, with the youth party taking place on 29th December. Events related to Christmas festivities will continue as planned.