The grand finale of Ikeji Aro-Okeigbo 2025 came alive with colour, dance, and deep tradition as Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani (SAN), Chairman of Ekekpe Day, declared that he felt fully embraced into the Arochukwu Kingdom.
Dr. Ubani, visibly moved by the cultural splendour, described the festival as a revelation of identity and unity.
“I’m beginning to think I am from Arochukwu. I feel as though I have been adopted into this great kingdom. What I have seen here today convinces me that the people of Aro value tradition, transparency, and accountability—and I’m proud to identify with you,” he said.
Prayers and Thanksgiving
Before the symbolic cutting of the new yams, His Eminence Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, offered prayers for the community, urging the people to remain thankful and to uphold Ikeji as a festival of gratitude and renewal.
Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, also reminded the gathering that Ikeji is a season of thanksgiving and unity for all Aros at home and abroad.
Support and Solidarity
The celebration received a boost as Keystone Bank presented a cheque of ₦1 million in support of Ikeji-Aro. In addition, goodwill messages poured in, including one from Ogbonnaya Okereke, General Manager of ASEPA, who commended the organisers for staging what he called “a unique cultural showcase.”
Culture as Identity
Representing Governor Alex Otti, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, emphasised that Ikeji is more than entertainment: it is a vital tool for cultural preservation.
“Tradition is our way of life and must be maintained. The governor is committed to building and retrofitting our cultural sites so that future generations will continue to inherit this legacy,” he said.
Royal, Political and Institutional Presence
The festival drew a wide spectrum of personalities—from traditional rulers and political leaders to technocrats and cultural custodians. Among them were Eze Ibom Isii HRH Mazi Amos Egbu Okoro, Eze Eze-Agwu na Okwara-Agwu HRH Mazi Okoroafor Uro, members of the National and State Assembly, and local government leaders.
Also in attendance were officials of the Ikeji-Aro Central Planning Committee led by Barr. Oscar Chukwuma Okoro, and executive members of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, whose dedication ensured the success of the 2025 edition.
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