Eze Eberechukwu Oji urges indigenes to uphold achievements of patriarchs, honours 32 subjects
Eze Eberechukwu Oji urges indigenes to uphold achievements of patriarchs, honours 32 subjects
The traditional ruler of Arochukwu kingdom His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has urged indigenes of the kingdom to draw strength from their achievements of their heroes past to build a brighter future for the Kingdom and generations to come.
Eze Oji who spoke during the 2025 Eke Ekpe Aro celebration also honoured the sons and daughters of the Arochukwu Kingdom, stating that their legacies inspire the people.
Speaking on the theme of Ikeji-Aro, “Aro Renaissance: Celebrating 100 years of Omu-Aro as a Symbol of Aro Culture and Identity,” Eze Eberechukwu Oji reaffirmed Arochukwu’s legacy as the cradle of Igbo civilization.
He acknowledged the civilisations of Mazi T.K. Utchay for conceptualising Omu-Aro and celebrated the ingenuity of Mazi S.W. Okereke, Mma Mary Okoro, and Mma Mgbeke Ukwu Eni for their roles in globalising Omu-Aro.
The first class monarch also empowered 19 youths selected from the 19 villages in the Kingdom, assuring the community that no child of Arochukwu will be left behind. He encouraged the people to remain focused on learning and advancing their businesses for greater improvement.
His Eminence announced that Aro Day 2025 will be dedicated to honouring, posthumously, 100 Umu Aro who made significant contributions to sustaining the Aro Kingdom, both nationally and internationally. He invited all Umu Aro to join in the celebration of these distinguished individuals.
Some of the honourees includes Eze Aro Mazi Kanu Oji, Eze Aro Ogbonnaya Okoro, Dr. Alvan Ikokwu, Mazi T.K. Utchay, Senator H.N. Udoh, Mary Slessor, Hugh Goldie, Dr. Nwakanma Okoro, Mazi S.G. Ikoku, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike.
Others are Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Chief G.E. Okeke, Prof. Chimere Ikoku, Col. Tony Eze, Mazi Okoro Nkwo Kanno, Mazi S.W. Okereke, Mazi S.O. Oti, Rev. Canon Mgbemena, Prof. Simeon Ukpabi, Prof. Anezi Okoro, Rev. Chima Nwana, Dr. Jerry Okoro, Mazi Emma Nwokoro, Nze Dan Orji, Dr. Chukwuma Obioha, Mazi Pita Nwana, Prof. O.C. Nwana, Mazi C. Moore Obioha, Spud Nathan, and Prof. Ernest Ugo.
The highpoint of the event was the competition among the 19 villages, with Atani taking first place, Ugbo coming in second, Obinkita in third, Ujari in fourth, Amoba in fifth, and Asaga in sixth position.
Furthermore, Isimkpu village won the award for the most organised crowd, while Ugbo village was recognised as the most innovative group. Trophies and cash prizes were handed over to the respective villages by Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide as an appreciation for their hard work and motivation for others who may wish to emulate them.