Ikeji-Aro 2025 kick-off
with Intercessory Prayer for Arochukwu Kingdom
The Ikeji-Aro 2025 festival commenced with an Interdenominational Service at the Civic Centre in Oror, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The service featured an intercessory prayer led by Very Reverend Barrister Onwuegbuchulam Silas Ukachukwu JP, the Head of the Methodist Church Nigeria in Arochukwu.
During his prayer for the people of Arochukwu Kingdom, Rev. Silas Ukachukwu called for God’s infinite mercy upon the community. Today, in the Ikeji festival calendar, it is known as Orie Egbugbu, and it symbolises gratitude to God for the abundant harvest granted to the people. It reflects the faithfulness and grace provided, offering blessings for a continued harvest. So essentially, the Interdenominational Church Service is the Christian version of Orie Egbugbu, as the faithful thank God for the blessings of rich harvest, good health and prosperity for Umuaro in the previous year while praying for His continued guidance in the new year.
The guest minister, Reverend Dr. Chidi Okoroafor of the Assemblies of God Church, delivered a message titled “Whatever you do, do it for God’s glory,” based on the theme of the service, “Arochukwu Renaissance for Christ,” drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:17. He emphasized that nothing should prevent the people from praising God, as His faithfulness can be witnessed throughout Arochukwu Kingdom.
“Arochukwu is God’s own State, and it should lead in glorifying God. There should never be anything that stops Arochukwu from praising God for the mighty works He has done in the Kingdom. Your song should touch you before it touches God,” he stated.
Bishop Rt. Reverend Dr Johnson Onuoha of the Anglican Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia also contributed to the service, stating that there is no need to pray for the Kingdom but rather to thank God, as the land is already blessed.
“We were in Arochukwu Kingdom in 2005, and returning here has revealed the remarkable developments in the area. We should be thankful for the blessings already bestowed upon Arochukwu. We must ask God for these blessings to remain permanent,” he asserted.
He declared prosperity, peace, unity, and development over the land and prayed to cancel every form of premature death.
In a special prayer for Eze Eberechukwu Oji, he beseeched God to grant him wisdom in leading the affairs of the Kingdom.In response, Eze Eberechukwu Oji expressed appreciation for the community’s turnout to thank God for His faithfulness to the Arochukwu Kingdom. He lauded the Nzuko Aro Worldwide President-General, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, and others who contributed to the success of the event.
“We thank God for His mercies in the Kingdom. It is only through His mercies that we are gathered here,” he said, drawing inspiration from the book of Psalms and urging the people to continuously praise God for His kindness.
Eze Eberechukwu Oji also commended the Igbo translators who aided in the service and announced the formation of an Igbo translation group aimed at teaching the younger generation proper Igbo translations.
Highlights of the service included musical ministrations from various choir groups and extensive prayer for Eze Eberechukwu Oji and the throne of Eze Aro. The attendees prayed for God’s guidance and protection for him, especially amidst the challenges of leadership.
Notable attendees included Venerable Nonso Anumba, Reverend Kennedy Akaha, Nzuko Aro Worldwide President-General Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, CPC Chairman Barrister Oscar Chukwuma Okoro, Reverend John Onwumere, Captain Okey Imuoh, and many other distinguished figures.