The 2025 Ikeji-Aro Festival officially opened on Tuesday, September 23, with an Interdenominational Service at the Civic Centre, Oror, Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, where clerics declared Arochukwu Kingdom already blessed and called for gratitude and renewal.
The service, which coincided with Orie Egbugbu in the Ikeji calendar, symbolised thanksgiving for harvests and divine favour. Guest minister, Reverend Dr. Chidi Okoroafor of the Assemblies of God Church, preached on the theme “Arochukwu Renaissance for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), urging the people to glorify God in all they do.
“Arochukwu is God’s own kingdom, and it should lead in glorifying Him. Nothing should stop you from praising God for His mighty works,” he charged.
Bishop Rt. Reverend Dr. Johnson Onuoha of the Anglican Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia told the congregation there was no need to plead for blessings on the land, stressing that Arochukwu was already blessed. “We should be thankful for the blessings already bestowed upon this Kingdom. Our prayer should be that these blessings remain permanent,” he declared, while pronouncing peace, unity, prosperity, and an end to premature deaths.
Very Reverend Barrister Onwuegbuchulam Silas Ukachukwu JP of the Methodist Church Nigeria led intercessory prayers for the people, aligning the service with the traditional spirit of thanksgiving in Ikeji. Jungle-Journalist.Com gathered that the service also featured musical ministrations by various choir groups and extensive prayers for the throne of Eze Aro.
In his remarks, His Majesty Eze Eberechukwu Oji expressed gratitude for the turnout, thanking God for His mercies and acknowledging Nzuko Aro Worldwide President-General, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, and others who supported the event. He further announced the establishment of an Igbo translation group to teach younger generations proper translations during worship.
Jungle-Journalist.Com reports that the event drew prominent figures including Venerable Nonso Anumba, Reverend Kennedy Akaha, CPC Chairman Barrister Oscar Chukwuma Okoro, Reverend John Onwumere, Captain Okey Imuoh, and many others, who joined in prayers for Arochukwu Kingdom and its leadership.
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