Aro Day 2025: The Lessons and Honouring 100 Heroes and Heroines of Arochukwu Kingdom

The Arochukwu Kingdom has once again demonstrated what is possible when people are united and committed to a progressive cause. This was evident during the Aro Day 2025 celebrations, which were filled with funfair activities. However, what stood out most was the honouring of 100 heroes and heroines who have contributed immensely to the development of the Kingdom in one way or another.

This also coincided with the Centenary Commemoration of Omu-Aro, whose insignia represents the bravery for which ordinary Aro sons and daughters are known.

With the theme Aro Renaissance: Honouring and Building on the Legacies of Our Heroes and Heroines, Past and Present, for a More United and Prosperous Aro Kingdom, it was clear that the people shared a vision of elevating and uniting the Kingdom, especially through its policies and programmes.

As the Eze Aro, His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, stated, the will to succeed and elevate the Kingdom rests in the hands of every son and daughter of Arochukwu, through their resources, time, participation, and commitment. This year’s four-day event kicked off with the finale of the Eze Kanu Oji Football Competition.

Finale of Eze Kanu Oji Football Competition

The finale of the football competition took place at the Aggrey Memorial School Field on December 24, 2025. Group D, comprising Ujari, Ibom, Amasu, and Amannagwu, emerged as winners of the tournament and went home with a cash prize of ₦500,000. While setting up the committee last year, Eze Eberechukwu Oji made it clear that the intention was to harness the talents of young Arochukwu sons. This was further confirmed by one of the organisers, Mazi Chimereze Okeigbo, who revealed that the competition was for under-19 players to build and harness their talents and discourage them from engaging in social vices that could be detrimental to their health.

Carol of Nine Lessons

The day continued with the Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Civic Centre, Oror, in Arochukwu Kingdom. Eze Eberechukwu Oji, represented by the Eze Ibom Isii, Eze Amos Egbu Okoro, called for greater reflection while drawing lessons from the preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
There was a choir competition involving the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Choir, Angelica Church Arochukwu Choir, Catholic Church Arochukwu 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. The Cherubim and Seraphim Church Choir emerged as winners and received a cash prize of ₦50,000.

Aro Day and Honouring of 100 Heroes and Heroines of Arochukwu Kingdom

December 26 is a day set aside by Umu Aro worldwide to celebrate the Kingdom, its transformation, peace, and unity. According to Mazi Ike Okoronkwo, the Chairman of the occasion, the decision to set aside this day was taken in 2002 by Umu Aro, and since then, no other occasion has been fixed on that date. As a result, Umu Aro everywhere, whether within the Kingdom or in the diaspora, celebrate the day and give thanks to God for His blessings upon the Kingdom.

On Aro Day 2025, 100 heroes and heroines were honoured, including Eze Kanu Oji, who ruled the Kingdom for 73 years; Mazi T. K. Utchay, who designed the Omu-Aro; and Mazi Dr Alvan Ikoku. To demonstrate unity among Aro in the diaspora, veteran singers Onyeka Onwenu and Pericoma were also honoured. Eze Eberechukwu Oji explained that the gesture was meant to encourage the living by showing that no good deed goes unrewarded and to guide young people to remain on the path of good rather than evil.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mazi Chimezie Orji, stated that the Arochukwu Kingdom is rich in culture and tradition and has always been recognised for this. He noted that Aro Day provides another opportunity to showcase an identity rooted in customs and traditions. He emphasised that the Aro Renaissance would not have been possible without the efforts of past heroes and heroines, adding that the aim is to inspire the living to recognise that contributions to community development are rewarded with recognition. Many of the individuals honoured had already been recognised in their lifetimes, some as Ugwuaros, yet were honoured again to remind everyone that their contributions are not forgotten.

Speaking at the event, the former Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt applauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, for the construction of the Okobo Road, describing the project as commendable. He stated that he had made several attempts to draw attention to the condition of the road by raising the matter in the Red Chamber, but all efforts proved abortive.

His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji also launched several initiatives, including the Arochukwu Business Leaders Forum, the Arochukwu Young Professionals Group, the Arochukwu History and Culture Renaissance Team, and an aggressive outreach initiative to all Aro diaspora communities worldwide. These initiatives aim to shape the consciousness of the people of the Kingdom.

He explained that the Arochukwu Business Leaders Forum would harness the entrepreneurial genius of the people and create economic opportunities benefiting the entire Kingdom. At the same time, the Arochukwu Young Professionals Group would mentor, connect, and empower young professionals to excel in their chosen careers. The Arochukwu History and Culture Renaissance Team would document, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the people, while the aggressive outreach initiative would connect Aro diaspora communities in Arondizuogu, Ajatakiri, Aroikpa, Lagos, London, and beyond, ensuring they remain connected to their homeland.

The special guest of honour, Governor Alex Otti, assured the people that there was more to come, noting that they had yet to see the full extent of his administration’s achievements. He explained that although his mandate is for four years, only two years have so far been spent delivering extraordinary developmental strides across the state.

The governor also appreciated Eze Aro, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, for leading the people through a renaissance, and commended the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi; the Chairman of the Planning Committee of Aro Day 2025, Mazi Chimezie Orji; and all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom.
Contributing, the Emir of Kano, HRH Mohammed Sanusi Lamido II, commended Abians for voting for Dr Alex Otti in the 2023 governorship election, stating that the whole world is proud of him and his accomplishments within two years in office.

There was also the launch of a STEM pilot project at Madonna Secondary School, Ugwuakuma, heralding a new era of educational excellence aimed at ensuring that no child in Arochukwu is left behind.

Presenting the students, led by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Charles Ukandu, PhD, one of the major financiers of the STEM project, Mazi Obioha Okoroafor, stated that the aim of the association is to equip students through available technology and unlock the potential of every child in Arochukwu.

He noted that a gap exists in quality education among students completing secondary school, as many could not score above 50 per cent in a standard JS3 examination. This prompted the association to adopt Kolibri to address challenges such as limited internet connectivity, lack of educational resources, the digital divide, and an unprepared workforce.

The Chairman of the Arochukwu STEM Association (ASA), Mazi Nnanna Ezuma-Ngwu, who installed and procured the technology, explained that Kolibri is a free, offline-first digital learning platform powered by Raspberry Pi computers. It provides access to world-class pedagogical instruction, helps students fill learning gaps, learn at their own pace through high-quality video lessons, practise with interactive exercises that provide immediate feedback, and build strong academic foundations from JSS 1 to SS3.

Kolibri also serves as a professional development tool for teachers by offering model lessons, supplementary materials to enhance classroom instruction, tools to track students’ progress and identify gaps, and resources to improve subject-matter expertise.

The day ended with the presentation of plaques to the 100 heroes and heroines at a dinner party held at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi, in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of Arochukwu Kingdom.

Royal Homage to Eze Eberechukwu Oji

On 27 December, traditional rulers from the 19 villages of Arochukwu Kingdom, including those in the diaspora, alongside members of the community, paid homage to the Eze Aro, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, at his residence.

Youth Party

The events concluded with a youth party held at the Civic Centre, Oror, in Arochukwu Kingdom. According to Mazi Chimezie Orji, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, the youth party was organised to encourage youth participation and ensure that young people remain actively involved in the Kingdom’s affairs. He noted that this engagement is aimed at keeping youths positively occupied and discouraging negative vices.

Conclusion

The Aro Day 2025 festivities have come and gone, leaving the people of the Kingdom encouraged to continue participating and engaging in communal activities, as this remains the surest path to sustained development in Arochukwu Kingdom.