Ikeji-Aro 2025: Ekwuribe Promises to Replicate Nkwo-Ekpe Across State LGs
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Dr Mathew Ekwuribe, has pledged to replicate the wrestling match he witnessed at the Nkwo Ekpe in Ibom Isii to all local government areas in the state. He urged the people of Arochukwu to prepare for competition with participants from all 17 local government areas.
Dr Ekwuribe shared this announcement during the Nkwo Ekpe event at Ibom Square on Thursday. He expressed gratitude to the people of the Arochukwu Kingdom for preserving their cultural heritage, noting that many communities have lost touch with the traditions handed down by their ancestors.
He praised the youth for honouring the legacy of the older generation by actively participating in the New Year’s Festival and celebrating the occasion.
“In many places, our children no longer know how to speak Igbo or understand our culture. Even the rituals around breaking kolanut are unfamiliar to many. I am very pleased with what I witnessed today, and I will also inform Governor Dr Alex Otti about the success of this event.”
In his address, Eze Ibom Isii noted that Nkwo Ekpe presents an opportunity for a renewed moral and spiritual foundation. He urged the community to set a positive example for others and to view this celebration as a chance to forge a new path.
He encouraged everyone to embrace a spirit of unity, which can only thrive when individuals avoid selfishness, pride, wickedness, falsehood, and other vices.
Eze Ibom Isii expressed gratitude to God for uniting the people to witness Nkwo Ekpe 2025, despite humanity’s flaws. He acknowledged that their progress is due to divine grace and prayed for moral upliftment within the community, enabling them to make wise choices for Ibom Isii and build a proud kindred.
Speaking, His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji EzeAro the 9th emphasised that the Umu Aro community is recognised for their resilience and resourcefulness. He encouraged the people to prepare for an even bigger Nkwo Ekpe celebration in 2026.
“Next year, we will welcome visitors from all over to celebrate our festivals. We anticipate great things ahead, as our Kingdom is now illuminated by the light of progress. This light will lead us to even greater achievements, showcasing our community in a way that has never been seen before. Aro, as the head of the Igbos, will lead while others follow.”
Regarding the centenary celebration of the Omu-Aro, Eze Oji clarified the distinction between the Omu-Aro used for entertainment and the original form. While acknowledging the entertainment version is acceptable, he stressed that during significant events like Ekekpe, scheduled for September 26, 2025, participants are expected to wear the traditional Omu-Aro.
“100 years is not equivalent to 100 days, and we are here to celebrate. This milestone signifies the wisdom of our forefathers in organising our community, and we aim to follow in their footsteps. This Nkwo Ekpe is a joyous occasion, and we will celebrate it with happiness.”
The event featured key highlights, including the cutting of the new yams by Eze Eberechukwu Oji, wrestling matches by the youths of Ibom Isii, and various cultural dance performances from the villages of Ibom, Amukwa, Ujari, Ugwuakuma, Agbagwu and Amasu.
Also present at the event were His Royal Highness Eze Okoroafor Uroh, Eze Agwu na Okparaagwu Kindred, Eze Uche and members of the Uche clan in Arondizuogu Amankwu, Mayor of Arochukwu LGA Engr. Chibuike Ezearu, and members of both Eze Ogo Arochukwu Kingdom and Okpa Nkpo Arochukwu Kingdom, among others.