Arochukwu, Abia State – His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji (Eze Aro IX), has called on the people of Arochukwu Kingdom to generate innovative ideas that will foster growth and improve living conditions in the Kingdom. He stressed that much work remains to be done to elevate Arochukwu to its rightful place in Abia State and beyond.
Speaking at the Ikeji Dinner Event held at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi, as part of the Ikeji-Aro 2025 celebrations, the monarch urged the community to embrace their dialect and produce books and Bibles in their language, noting that cultural and intellectual investment is key to Aro’s development.
On leadership, the Eze Aro challenged the Eze Ogos in charge of villages to prioritise service over titles. He reminded the gathering that every Aro person belongs to a compound, insisting that effective leadership and followership must begin at that level before spreading to the wider community.
“This is the time for Arochukwu. Since it has pleased God to have our son, Ugwuaro Dr. Alex Otti, as the Governor of Abia State, and me as the Eze Aro of the Kingdom, it is time for Arochukwu to shine. We will undertake initiatives that reflect our royal heritage,” he declared.
The dinner featured progress reports from committees established last year. The Aro Tourism Development Board presented plans for promoting tourism, highlighting tourist sites and campaigns for indigenes and the diaspora. They also pledged continued collaboration with Engr. Mathew Ekwuribe, the Abia State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, to enhance future Ikeji-Aro events.
The “Light Up Aro” Committee, backed by the Eze Aro, appealed for greater community involvement in installing solar lighting across the Kingdom. The Education Development Committee reported on the successful revitalisation of several primary schools, while other committees gave updates on boundary adjustments, traditional and judicial matters, harmonisation of rites, the Aro Education Trust Fund, rural water projects, and sanitation campaigns aimed at beautifying the town.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Barrister Oscar Chukwuma Okoro, praised the subcommittees for their diligence and urged the people to sustain a spirit of unity and service. He assured that this year’s Ikeji-Aro would conclude in a unique and historic fashion.
The event was graced by prominent sons and daughters of Arochukwu, including Mazi Nnadozie Udensi (President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide), Barr. Oscar Chukwuma Okoro, Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, Mazi Goddy Ijioma, Mazi Austin Arukwe, Mazi Chekwas Albert Otti, Mazi Azubike Okoro, Mazi Ebere Okoro, Mazi Ejike Okoro, Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Mazi Zulu Ofoelue, Mazi Clinton Okoro, Edward Onyema, Hon. Chimereze Okoro, Prof. Joe Nwankwo, Eze Nta Asaga Mazi Francis Okoro, Rev. Victor Onwumere, Rev. Chiadikobi, Adaukwu Lady Pauline Ijioma, Mazi Chukwudi Nleneanya, the DPO of Arochukwu LGA, and Head of Civil Defense Arochukwu, CSC Ani Anthony, among others.
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