Arochukwu celebrates one-year coronation anniversary with national conference, cultural revival

The ancient kingdom of Arochukwu in Abia State held the first coronation anniversary of His Eminence, Eze Aro Dr. Eberechukwu Oji (the 9th) and the 6th All Aro National Conference (AANC).

The four-day event, themed “Aro Renaissance: Consolidating Gains and Charting New Frontiers for Aro Kingdom Unity, Peace and Development,” drew a diverse crowd of traditional leaders, public officials, intellectuals, diaspora citizens, and tourists.

Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, the President-General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, disclosed that the event was not only to celebrate His Eminence but also to celebrate a year of cultural renaissance, visionary leadership and the reaffirmation of Aro identity.

He stated, “This year’s event was not only about His Eminence, Eze Aro Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, but also about reawakening our ancient culture, celebrating visionary leadership and reaffirming the Aro’s identity.

“The coronation anniversary and conference serve as renewed calls for heritage tourism, cultural revival, and participatory leadership. Sites such as the Ibini Ukpabi shrine, the Okoroji House Museum, and other ancestral trails are seen as valuable assets in attracting tourism and stimulating local economies.

“With visionary leadership, Arochukwu is now poised to transform its historical wealth into contemporary progress. Eze Aro Dr. Eberechukwu Oji’s reign represents a bridge between tradition and transformation, driving the kingdom toward inclusive growth, cultural pride, and national relevance.”

Planning Committee Chairman, Mazi Obi Chijioke, commended the monarch’s first-year achievements, citing notable programmes such as the “Light Up Aro” project, which has improved security and business activities by installing modern street lighting.

He said, “Youth-focused initiatives in agriculture and tourism were also highlighted as catalysts for local economic development.

On July 25, the All Aro National Conference was held at Oror Civic Centre under the chairmanship of Lord Mayor Dr. Innocent Ezumah. 

Topics discussed included diaspora engagement, cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and grassroots development. Later that evening, a gala dinner was hosted by Nzuko Aro at Alpha Plus Hotel, during which several committees were inaugurated to address vital issues such as water supply, road rehabilitation, tourism, environmental enhancement, and youth engagement.

The main event on July 26 was the coronation anniversary ceremony, graced by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as Special Guest of Honour. He joined a high-profile assembly of traditional rulers, business executives, academics, and Aro indigenes from around the world to celebrate the king’s first year in office. The ceremony spotlighted significant milestones under Eze Aro’s leadership and renewed confidence in his reign.

On July 27, the event ended with a thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Amannagwu Village, where prayers were offered for continued unity, progress, and divine favour in the years ahead.”

Various speakers, including Dr. Azubuike Okoro, advocated a hybrid system of justice that would combine Aro traditional institutions—like Okpankpo, Ekpe, and Nzuko Aro—with modern legal practices.

Mazi Kanu Ohuche called for increased diaspora involvement and modelled leadership reforms along the example of Governor Otti’s transparency and effectiveness. He also proposed the inclusion of women in governance and the establishment of an awards body to recognise outstanding contributions to the Aro community. 

The meeting was drawn to a close with a Vote of Thanks by Professor Okoro Ijoma, who is the chairman of National Patrons of Nzuko Aro Worldwide.

The celebration kicked off on July 24 with an open-air crusade and a free medical outreach held at Aggrey Primary School in Ibom Village. The outreach attracted over 300 residents who received health consultations, eye tests, and prescriptions—a first in the kingdom’s coronation history.

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