Eze Aro’s Second Coronation Anniversary Celebrates Kingdom’s Renaissance, Says Planning Committee Chairman

Barrister Kingsley Uba Okoro, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Second Coronation Anniversary of His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has said the annual celebration is a deliberate effort to showcase the rebirth, unity and development of the ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.

Speaking after the opening day’s activities, which featured a medical outreach and an open-air crusade, Okoro described the turnout as unprecedented, saying it reflected the growing acceptance and impact of the annual event.

He disclosed that the week-long celebration, which centres on the theme: ‘Aro Renaissance: Consolidating Gains in Peace and Unity, Honouring the Legacies of Mary Slessor in the Evangelisation and Social Development of Aro Kingdom’, will continue with the commissioning of the rebuilt Mary Slessor library, followed by an anniversary lecture and dinner at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi. Other activities include Royal Homage by villages and Aro diaspora communities and traditional rulers to the Eze Aro, while the grand finale will take place on Saturday before a Thanksgiving church service on Sunday

According to him, the decision to celebrate the coronation anniversary every year is to project the renewed image of the Arochukwu Kingdom and let Nigerians and the international community know that the kingdom has regained its pride.

“Our kingdom is back on its feet once again. Before now, the Eze Aro throne was largely subdued and not given the prominence it deserved. Today, we have a monarch who is learned, widely travelled, and possesses the vision and leadership qualities needed to move the kingdom forward,” he said.

Okoro noted that the reign of His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji has ushered in visible development and renewed hope for the kingdom, adding that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to showcase these achievements to the world.

He said the overwhelming participation in the medical outreach and crusade demonstrated that the celebration continues to gain momentum.

“The number of people who attended the medical outreach was unprecedented. The crusade also recorded an impressive turnout, with many people giving their lives to Christ. This shows that the celebration is growing stronger every year,” he stated.

Describing the anniversary as a milestone worthy of celebration, Okoro likened it to a birthday, saying achievements should be celebrated and remembered rather than overlooked.

He also urged Aro sons and daughters, as well as friends of the kingdom who are yet to return home for the festivities, to do so without delay.

“They are missing a lot. Today’s success, the favourable weather, and the atmosphere all testify that God’s hand is upon the kingdom. There are even greater things to come before the grand finale on Saturday. We invite everyone to be part of this historic celebration,” he said.