Eze Aro Receives Umu-Aro from Aro Uno and Aro Uzo on Royal Homage to Mark 2nd Coronation Anniversary

*Pledges Improved Welfare of Corps Members in Aro

His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom today at the Palace, received Aro citizens from home and diaspora who were on a royal homage to mark the second anniversary of his coronation on Friday.

Several villages were led by their Eze Ogo and Head of Welfare organizations, with multiple entertainment teams and gift items.

Speaking, Dr. Eustace Njaka, the Publicity Secretary of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, said the day’s activities commenced at about 11:00 a.m., with about nine villages paying traditional homage to His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, at his palace.

According to him, the visiting delegations arrived with customary gifts, including kola nuts, drinks and George wrappers, in keeping with the long-standing tradition of presenting symbolic items to the Eze as a mark of respect, loyalty and acceptance.

He explained that although some villages arrived later, the monarch patiently waited to receive as many delegations as possible before proceeding to inspect venues ahead of the grand finale of the second coronation anniversary celebration.

Njaka said the Eze later led an inspection of the Civic Centre and other event locations to ensure adequate preparations for the main ceremony. He noted that the inspection also coincided with the arrival of visitors from the diaspora, including Aro communities from Nnewi, Orumba and other parts of the country, making the event vibrant and colourful.

“The palace witnessed an impressive turnout as representatives from nearly all the villages, alongside friends and well-wishers from different locations including Port Harcourt, came to identify with the Eze and the Arochukwu Kingdom,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the homage visits, Njaka described the exercise as a cherished traditional obligation that strengthens the bond between the Eze and his people.

He explained that beyond presenting gifts, the visits provide an opportunity for communities to reaffirm their loyalty to the traditional ruler, express appreciation for his leadership and engage directly with him on matters affecting their villages.

He disclosed that during the visit, representatives of the various villages presented challenges ranging from internal disputes, inter-community conflicts, crime, drug abuse and other social issues.

According to him, the Eze responded by offering guidance, practical solutions and a clear roadmap for resolving the issues while charging the communities to work together for peace, unity and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, His Eminence also pledged to engage with the Local Government Council to rehabilitate the Corps members’ lodge and provide suitable accommodation for corps members serving in the Kingdom.

His intervention came when members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) paid him a courtesy visit at his residence as part of the activities marking the Second Coronation Anniversary of his reign

The corps members, led by Egu Francis, appealed for improved welfare for those serving in Arochukwu. They highlighted the dilapidated condition of the Corpers lodge and called for urgent maintenance of the structure. They complained about the lack of water and electricity, as well as the poor condition of the lodge, which has discouraged many corps members from accepting postings to Arochukwu. They also lamented the high cost of transportation from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende, to the Kingdom.

His Eminence immediately took charge of the matter and instructed his Chief of Staff to ascertain the owner of the building currently occupied by the corps members so that a comprehensive decision could be carried out. He assured them that the lodge would be rehabilitated as soon as possible. He further stated that Nzuko Aro Worldwide would be communicated to explore the possibility of providing a bus to convey corps members from the orientation camp to the Kingdom. He wished them a memorable stay in Arochukwu Kingdom.

“Aro has a state institution where you can teach and contribute your quota. So many people came to serve but have not left and have integrated with the people. We have just completed the Mary Slessor Library, and you can visit it after work to learn other skills, including artificial intelligence, once it is commissioned. The world is changing, and once you have access to the internet, you can do anything from here. Our target is to provide hours of electricity and free Wi-Fi in the library, but you have to be committed to improving yourself with ICT skills.

The highlight of the courtesy visit was the arrival of representatives from all the villages in the Kingdom, including Aro diaspora communities from Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom States, and other parts of the world, who came bearing gifts and rejoicing with the monarch as he marks two years on the throne tomorrow.