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  • Arochukwu celebrates excellence as 79 sons, daughters receive prestigious awards

    Arochukwu celebrates excellence as 79 sons, daughters receive prestigious awards

    The Arochukwu Kingdom hosted a historic awards ceremony on December 26, 2024, recognising 79 of its distinguished sons and daughters for their outstanding contributions to the community. 

    The event, held a day after Christmas, saw an unprecedented number of recipients, making it the most significant awards ceremony in the Kingdom’s history.

    The ceremony was hosted by His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, who used the occasion to call for unity and collective efforts toward the development of Arochukwu. 

    Addressing the awardees, Eze Oji urged them to leverage their individual opportunities to serve the Kingdom.

    “Join hands with me and Ndi Eze, Eze Ibom Isii, and Eze Agwu. Let’s unite and develop our community. Offer yourself to serve. The Kingdom needs you more than you need it,” he said.

    The awards included the prestigious Ugwuaro, Ikemba, and Adaukwu titles, which were conferred following a rigorous and merit-based selection process. 

    The monarch charged the recipients to remain committed to the progress of the community.

    Governor Alex Otti’s Commitment to Infrastructure

    The event also featured Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti as the special guest of honour. 

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure across the state, particularly in Arochukwu. 

    He highlighted the ongoing Ohafia-Arochukwu road project, which aims to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity to the Local Government Area.

    Governor Otti also announced plans to retrofit schools and reopen the State Hospital for public use, emphasizing his administration’s focus on empowering citizens. 

    “We aim to empower people to become self-sufficient; we want to give you the means to earn, not just provide you with food,” he said.

    The governor lauded Eze Dr. Oji for his commitment to the Kingdom’s development and encouraged him to continue advancing the community’s interests.

    The ceremony was enlivened by the performance of renowned Igbo musician Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, who thrilled the audience with his hit tracks.

    Seventy-nine individuals received honors: Ugwuaro Title (30 recipients) recognizing exemplary community service, Ikemba Aro Title (31 recipients) celebrating exceptional leadership.

    Adaukwu Title (18 recipients) acknowledging distinguished contributions by women.

    Notable honorees included Mazi Orie Oji, Engr. Dr. Obioha Fubara Okoroafor, and Mazi Ikechukwu Jonah Okafor, among others.

    Recipients included Rev. Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro, Hon. Chimereze Isaac Okoro, and Dr. Onyema Steven Edward, among others.

    The ceremony underscored the spirit of unity, excellence, and dedication that continues to define the Arochukwu Kingdom. 

    The awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also inspired collective efforts to drive the community forward.

    Adaukwu Aro awards were given to Lady Paulina Goddy Ijeomah, Lady Ijeoma Nnennaya Udensi, Lady Ann Ike-Okoronkwo, Ezinne Eucharia Chinatu Oti, Adamazi Chinyere Odinakachi, Dr Nnennaya Chisom Duke, Nneoma Commy Ukpabio, Dr Mrs Sandra Ifeyinwa Madubuonwu, Adaukwu Mrs Queeneth Ogechi Bialose, Adamazi Edith Nnebumadu, Dr Mrs Catherine Nkechi Ukoha, Adamazi Ely Umeham, Adamazi Veronica Ijeoma Olugu, Mrs Celestina Chibor Alicho Onyebuchi, Dr Mrs Theodora Chidiebere Nwosu, Mrs Gift JK Onwuchekwa, Nwamazi Ngwanma Nnadozie, and Adamazi Nne Nwafor.

    In a related development, the Ezinneoma Social Club has presented food, cash and clothing gifts to the elderly in the spirit of the Yuletide. At a Mass Rally and the launch of the Ezinneoma Social Club of Arochukwu Kingdom at Aggrey Primary School in Ibom Arochukwu, the group said it has decided to support the aged in society, knowing how vulnerable they are, especially in times of emergency. 

    Speaking on the matter, His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji urged the elderly to live with hope, as none will be forgotten or forsaken, as long as he is the Eze Aro. 

    The monarch also commended the Club for their generosity toward those in need, especially the elderly. 

    A highlight of the event was the awarding of Ugoeze Nneoma Oji, the wife of His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, as the Ezinneoma of Arochukwu Kingdom, while the mother of Eze Aro, Dr Doris Ekenma Oji received the Grand Patron award.

    The impact of Arochukwu women continued to be felt during the celebrations as Nzuko Aro Women, UK Branch decided to surprise the community by donating a completed community hall to the kingdom to be used during different events. The hall came with a skills acquisition centre, which, if fully utilized, would employ hundreds if not thousands of young people in the community. 

    Speaking at the presentation of the building to Eze Aro in Council and Nzuko Aro Worldwide, the President of the United Kingdom branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, Dr Ely Umeham, called for increased support for women to build more sustainable structures within the community.

    She stated that all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom are stakeholders in the development of the community.

    “We are all stakeholders in the Arochukwu project, so let’s come together to support the Light Up Project launched by Eze Aro,” she stated.

    The commissioning and handing over Hall took place on December 30, 2024, at Ugwuavo, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State.

    She noted that the women have more projects planned and urged all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom to offer their support.

    In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, commended the UK branch of the Women’s Wing of Nzuko Aro Worldwide for establishing the Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, highlighting the importance of supporting women in society. 

    He remarked that since the emergence of His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the community has seen significant improvements. He also acknowledged the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Women’s Wing, Mrs. Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, for her leadership and statesmanship.

    “I want to thank Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere for her leadership, as well as the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for their role in commissioning this remarkable structure. I also appreciate the President General of Nzuko Aro, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, for his dedication to strengthening the ties and leadership that elevate UmuAro to great heights,” he said.

    President Inyom Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere also spoke, stating that establishing the structure in less than two years was a significant achievement. She expressed gratitude to the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for the new facility, which will serve the women of Arochukwu for various events.

    “We brought our needs to the Women’s Wing of all branches, and the UK Branch answered the call, completing the construction in just two years. It was flagged off in August 2023, and today, December 30, 2024, we are commissioning it. This hall gives us a venue for our meetings and events, eliminating the need to rent spaces. We have chairs donated by the USA branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing. Thank you all for celebrating with us,” she said.

    After the opening ceremony of the Women’s Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji thanked the women for constructing the facility, emphasizing that a grateful heart attracts more good fortune. He encouraged the community to continue supporting the women, who have demonstrated exceptional management skills in handling entrusted funds.

    In response, Dr. Ely Umeham, President of the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, presented the structure to the sons and daughters of UmuAro and urged everyone to invest in the project for the community’s development.

    “We appreciate your presence and support for our newly built structure. We have more projects to complete, including starting a borehole and restroom facilities. We still have much work to do for the development of Arochukwu Kingdom,” she said.

    Among those present were Eze Ibom Isii Mazi Amos Ngwu Okoro, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Sir Nnadozie Udensi, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, Secretary General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Dr Friday Uche, Mazi Chris Onyeador, Executive President, All Aro USA, President Inyom Aro Ezinne Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, President Okennachi Mazi Udo Chijioke, Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Pastor Chi Lancaster Okoro, and many other notable personalities.

    The event’s highlight was the official opening of the hall by His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji and his entourage. Recognition was given to women by the Calabar Branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for their outstanding contributions to Arochukwu Kingdom. Awards were presented to Secretary-General Nzuko Iyom Aro Elder Mrs Kate N. Ijeomah as Oji Nkpisi Turu Ugoeze 1, Evangelist Mrs Chinyere Okoro Lancaster as Ezinneoma Aha 1, the President for Home Branch Mrs Blessing Okoro Ezinne Aro Ji Aga Mba, Ezinne Mazi Chinenye N. Nwaka as Ugo Gbuzuo 1, Mrs Ngozi Chidi Uche as Ezinne di Aro Nma, Mrs. Ugozamba Cecilia Ijoma as Oji Ugo 1, Ezinne Beauty Okoronkwo, and Elder Mrs. Egosi for their contributions to the ancient Kingdom of Arochukwu.

  • Eze Aro stool: Arochukwu LGA clans endorse Eberechukwu Oji

    Eze Aro stool: Arochukwu LGA clans endorse Eberechukwu Oji

    The traditional rulers in the five geopolitical zones of Arochukwu LGA in Abia state have endorsed Eberechukwu Oji as the new Eze Aro designate.

    The zones comprising Arochukwu, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu, and Abam Onyerubi communities have also formally written to the foremost Arochukwu community organization, Nzuko Aro Worldwide, informing them about the endorsement of the new king.

    In two separate communiques signed by the traditional rulers of the five zones and clans, better known as Eze Ogos, the traditional rulers requested total support for the new Eze Aro-designate, who according to them, passed through the rigorous selection process of the Okennachi Royal Kindred of Arochukwu to emerge as Eze.

    According to them, the new king has met all the requirements to be installed the new king.

    “This is why we are giving our full and unflinching support and endorsement wherever necessary. The Nzuko Aro is to provide every needed support to the new king to ensure a hitch-free coronation ceremony come December 26, 2023” the statement signed by HRH TM Okoroji, for Arochukwu kingdom, HRH Martin Komo, for Ututu Clan, HRH Otada N, for Ihechiowa Clan, HRH Agwu Okafor, for Isu Clan and HRH Uka Oji, for Abam Onyerubi read.

    The documents were also signed by the chairman of the Arochukwu Council of Ezeogos, HRH Solomon Akang, as well as the Secretary, HRH Ebebe Emmanuel O.

    Read Also: Soludo presents N410bn 2024 budget for Anambra

    The statement read in part: “At a meeting of Ndi Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, it considered the present tussle in the leadership of Eze Aro stool.

    “The council of Ndi Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area in general wishes to state as follows: After going through all the processes following the selection of the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom by Ndi Oke Nnachi kindred, the Ezeogos in Council believes that due process was followed in the selection by Ndi Oke Nnachi kindred.

    “That as law-abiding citizens of Arochukwu kingdom, the wish of the people should be allowed to apply. That as an established old kingdom; that the integrity and wisdom of the representatives of the people who took part in the selection is not in doubt and should be obeyed.

    “The council implores all concerned to give their total support to HRM Eze Eberechukwu Oji. The council of Ndi Eze Ogo Arochukwu Local Government Area unequivocally supports HRM Eberechukwu Orji as the new Eze Aro of the Arochukwu kingdom.

    “That President General of Nzuko Aro without delay to do everything possible to see that the coronation comes up in a huge success come 26/12/2023.”

    Similarly, in another letter addressed to the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, the council of Ndi Ezeogo also endorsed the choice of the new Eze Arochukwu.

    The statement read: “The above Council of Ndi-Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, hereby wish to inform your Excellency that we members of the Council from the five (5) geo-political zones-Arochukwu Kingdom, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu and Abam Onyerubl have unanimously and completely agreed that Mazi Eberechukwu Orji is well qualified and most suitable to be crowned the new Eze Arochukwu 9th CFR of Arochukwu Kingdom come 26th December 2023.

    “So, we appeal to your Presidency to lead all Arochukwu world and all other necessary bodies to facilitate such crowning to become a huge success and make that a very historical coronation.

    All contributions financially and materially will be highly appreciated and recorded with pride and honor in the history and archives of Arochukwu Kingdom and Local Government Area in particular and the world in general.”

  • Ikpeazu gives condition for re-election in 2019

    Ikpeazu gives condition for re-election in 2019

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, says he would only seek re-election in 2019, after successful completion of projects initiated by his administration across the state.

    Ikpeazu disclosed this while speaking in a political programme “Osinachi”, at the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia monitored in Aba on Friday.

    “There are a few things which I am saying if we are able to finish by the grace of God, in the future I would think that we can answer the call to seek for re-election in 2019,’’ he said.

    He named some of the ongoing projects as the construction of Ifeobara basin, the reconstruction of Arochukwu road, the Osisioma interchange as well as the revival of the School of Nursing in Aba.

    Read also: Abia makes N1.3b from Made-in-Aba campaign, says Ikpeazu

    Ikpeazu said that since leadership is linked to achievements in office, he can be sure of matching any other candidate after completing the projects.

    He said that government had so far invested about N325 million towards upgrading facilities at the Enyimba Stadium with a view to making it “world class’’.

    Ikpeazu said two billion naira had been released to Setraco Construction Company for the reconstruction of the Aba-Port Harcourt road, adding that his administration had also done well in promoting made-in-Abia goods by patronising the products.

    He said that his administration had also recorded successes in its agricultural projects especially in Aba which was aimed at improving the life of the people.

    NAN

  • We need urgent infrastructural attention, Arochukwu, Ohafia tell rep

    The people of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency have called on the member representing them at the National Assembly, Hon. Uko Nkole, to assist the communities in need of infrastructural development to ease their sufferings.

    The President-General of each of the communities narrated their plight to the honourable member at a Town Hall meeting held at Ohafia Local Government Area headquarters, saying they needed urgent infrastructural attention.

    The President-Generals of the village town unions mentioned the projects according to their priority as it affects their communities, some of which included dilapidated roads, lack of electricity as well as unemployment, amongst other pressing needs.

    The people want their federal legislator to ensure that the constituency project funds are optimized to tackle the challenges facing their locality because they have suffered for a long time, stressing that the stress they are going through are becoming unbearable.

    In his response to the outlined issues, Nkole said the town hall meeting is a platform put in place for the people to interact and discuss on critical infrastructures that would enhance economic development.

    Nkole said projects worth N150 million was earmarked for each lawmakers to nominate within the constituencies in the 2016 budget that is yet to be executed and promised that he will work hard to see that funds are made available in the 2017 budget to enable the contractor remobilise Arochukwu/Ohafia roads.

    The federal legislator expressed optimism over the rehabilitation of the road in the 2017 budget and regrets the challenges that people are facing, particularly the loss of lives and child/maternal death due to the bad roads. Nkole used the opportunity to give the score card on the projects done across the federal constituency in 2016 in primary education intervention, water projects, amongst many others.

  • Arochukwu Road, a shame

    SIR: The Umuahia – Uzuakoli- Ohafia- Arochukwu federal road constructed by the then PTF about 1996 was by the influence of  two prominent Arochukwu sons who were in very high-ranking positions in that organization. They were late Prof. Chimere Ikoku, an executive member of the PTF Board and Dr. Ochi Achinivu who served PTF as Director of Programmes. The pain Arochukwu is passing through today is that these Aro sons did not commence the project from Arochukwu and proceeded towards Umuahia. They were not selfish. They commenced the project from the state capital, Umuahia, moved to Uzuakoli through Isuikwuato, Igbere, Abiriba by-pass to Ohafia. Unfortunately for Arochukwu, the PTF was disbanded just the moment the road construction project was to progress from Ohafia to Arochukwu, its final destination. The pain we suffer today is that the 27 kilometres portion of that project that could not be done by the PTF has remained abandoned since 1998.  Unknown to many, the worst part of the road is even found in Ohafia axis. But one needs to pass through Ohafia to progress to Arochukwu where the fate of indigenes who must use the road currently hang in the balance.

    In November 2012, the Jonathan administration awarded a contract for reconstruction of the road to one indigenous company, BEKS KIMSE Nigeria Ltd, at the cost of about N4.8 billion.   The project was expected to be completed within a period of 24 months.  We in Arochukwu, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu, part of Ohafia, went into jubilation believing that a “Daniel had finally come   to judgment”. Unfortunately, Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd failed to deliver. They demonstrated clear incompetence and insensitivity to our plight. They were only able to do less than a kilometre after two years on the site. We have no idea what the problem of the company was. Were they not paid or was it budgetary provision or sheer incompetence? The company also did not communicate with anyone. Latest reports indicate that the company has abandoned the job after creating more problems on the road than they were invited to solve.

    To worsen our situation, there appears to be some   conspiracy of silence around this project. All those who should speak out have chosen to keep quiet while Arochukwu, and other benefitting communities suffer greatly on that road daily. The only hope left now is on the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Arochukwu is appealing to President Buhari’s administration to institute a full investigation into circumstances that has led to this failed project.  We are also appealing to President Buhari to consider the engagement of a competent contractor to take over the Arochukwu – Ohafia road project supported with good budgetary provision.  And this is not difficult, because the project is only 27 kilometres without any obstacles like bridges or difficult terrain. We also appeal to the Abia State Governor, Dr Ikpeazu to come to our rescue. The state government needs to come to terms with the reality that the era where states look the other way on the excuse that a road in their domain belongs to federal government has gone. Many states have gone beyond that. We expect Abia under the regime of Dr Ikpeazu to embrace this approach, do things differently and assist Arochukwu. At the moment, an urgent intervention by FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works is needed to make the road passable. Until this is done, Arochukwu, a historical community in South Eastern Nigeria, is currently cut off from the rest of humanity. The condition of Ohafia – Arochukwu road   remains the worst in Nigeria today. It has become a state and national shame.

     

    • Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Abuja, member of the National Executive Committee of NzukoArochukwu.
  • Unique nature of Arochukwu Long Juju

    Unique nature of Arochukwu Long Juju

    Getting to Arochukwu town is like a trip to the land of the spirits where one has to pass through the proverbial seven rivers and seven hills.

    Although less than  100 kilometres from the Abia State capital, getting to Arochukwu from Umuahia can take between three to four hours. This is simply as a result of a bad road.  From Umuahia to Ohafia, the road is bad, especially through Bende. From Ohafia to Arochukwu, after the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Army Cantonment Ohafia, the road becomes hell.

    From the perspective of tourism, Arochukwu is a town with many interesting tourist sites. The most interesting thing for this reporter is  Ibini Ukpabi better known as the Arochukwu Long Juju. It is a deity that transformed Arochukwu to a place where major issues and conflicts were adjudicated at the shrine of  Ibini Ukpabi.

    Ibini Ukpabi, at the height of the its powers, during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was the most powerful deity in Igboland. It was a kind of supreme court whose judgment was final. There was no appeal.

    The guilty paid with their lives, while victims of the crime returned back to their communities with the sense of getting justice. No community would oppose the judgment of Ibini Ukpabi for the fear of being invaded by either Ohafia or Abam warriors.

    Ibini Ukpabi, coupled with the strategic location of Arochukwu town, made the Aros serve as a kind middlemen in the trading between the whitemen and the Ibo in hinterland. The Aros travelled to virtually every part of Iboland to buy goods they sold to the whitemen, including slaves.

    The reputation of Ibini Ukpabi was based on its ability to deliver swift  judgments. Once a person entered the shrine, if found guilty, the person never returned. The relations would only see blood flowing out form the shrine and then would know the person was guilty and had been killed by the deity. But many said it was all a ruse as the priests would never kill. Animal blood was poured out, while the person was taken through a door to a secret location to be sold as slave.

    The oracle was destroyed during the military expedition to Arochukwu in 1901 and 1902. It was after the punitive expedition that historical figures like Mary Slessor, the Scottish missionary, moved into Arochukwu to stop the killing of twins.

    Ibini Ukpabi or the Long Juju ought to be a major tourist site in Abia State, but the bad road and the reluctance to take people to the historical site have robbed the people of Arochukwu the huge benefits they ought to be enjoying by having such site in the community.  Ibini Ukpabi, rather than being a tourist site, is shrouded in secrecy.

    •Eze Ibomisii
    •Eze Ibomisii

    On getting to Arochukwu, the writer was tossed from one elder to the other. Finally, I met the Eze Ibomisii of Aro. The Aros operate a kind of triumvirate royalty with three paramount kings, all with their areas of jurisdiction. Ibini Ukpabi falls under the Eze Ibomisii, Eze Kanu Okereke. Eze Ibomisii is tall and regal. There was not much in the palace except the throne and chairs for meetings. Some of his children were playing around.

    When told of the purpose of the trip, the king allowed a kind of wry smile to play on his face. He initially refused any form of interview. He demanded for the sum of N7,000 and a bottle of St. Remy drink.

    After much pleading, he decided to lower the price and then waived the drink.

    The amount was just for an interview. If the reporter insisted on going to the Ibini Ukpabi shrine, he would have to cough up N35,000 for certain sacrifices.

    He talked about Ibini Ukpabi: “It is as old as Aro and Arochukwu is more than 1000 years. It served as a supreme court. If you committed an offence, you would be tried. If your offence was severe, you would not go free. If it was  a minor offence, the Long Juju would set that person free. It depended on the offences”.

    Asked at what point the diety became the deity for the whole of Iboland, he said: “Even before the time of our colonial masters. You know they fought the Aros from 1901 to 1902.  The British military expedition to Arochukwu was led by a colonel. It was after the war that its influence started to drop.

    “As the population grew, they started moving to different places to develop. People started coming from these places with one request or the other. If something good happens to you, you will tell others. That was how the influence started. Its popularity increased because of the positive news from the people who had visited the shrine.

    “It acted as the appellate court, meaning that the decision of the deity was final.  Whatever decision it took was final and before such decision was taken, the matter must have been examined very well. If you committed an offence in those days, for example, you took a knife, pursued and killed somebody, you would be brought here to be tried. I believe that the practice of Court of Justice was inherited from that long Juju. If you killed somebody, you were going  for it. There were offences that attracted imprisonment. There were others that attracted exile. It happens today. That was the work of the Long Juju. It secured lives.”

    Many believe the  Aros used the deity to perpetuate their dominance in Igboland and get slaves for the slave dealers.

    The king disagreed: “No, that is not true. As I told you, the Long Juju served different functions: function of trading ; function of securing lives; function of worship and others. We did not invite anybody. People were bringing people here. We did not force them. In fact, the Aros took a very big risk to accommodate different kinds of people. Aro did not go anywhere to bring people. It was the families of these people that brought them. Aros saved many communities. They forgot the risk that the Aros took to admit a bad person, sometimes the strongest person from that village.”

    The shrine of Ibini Ukpabi is located deep inside the forest. It is after Hon. Mao Ohuanbunwa Street in Arochukwu.  The difficult conditions set by the keepers of the shrine have made it difficult for tourists to visit the site. The gate to the shrine has overgrown weeds to show that it has not been seeing much of visitors. According to our tour guide, the journey required crossing a river but was not ready to continue. The farthest one could get was the point of no return before being told the required amount one had to pay and the sacrifices to be performed.

    Arochukwu ought to be a popular destination, but needs efforts from the state government and the community.

  • A feast to save Arochukwu culture

    A feast to save Arochukwu culture

    A memorable fair has been scheduled for a remarkable community in the region. On December 30, indigenous people of Arochukwu in Abia State will defy their notoriously horrible road to seek a recapture of their fast-eroding culture, SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    The details have been sorted out. The name has been chosen and so has the venue. Everyone is looking forward to the maiden edition of the Arochukwu cultural carnival likened, in impact, to the famous end-of-year Calabar fiesta. Aro natives hope to halt the slide of their culture and begin to recover the glory of a city, which, among others things, once stood out as a formidable slave depot. But, first, they must overcome the impassable Arochukwu-Ohafia Road.

    The road, a federal government project, has been a sore point for as long as the people can remember. It links Abia to Akwa Ibom and Cross River states but despite its importance its users have been left in pains. In the dry season it is very bad; in the wet period it is impassable. The situation has robbed this cultural and tourist haven of revenue, among other things. Many lives have been lost on the road, just as several vehicles have been wrecked there.

    The community’s monarch, Eze Aro Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro leads the outcry for the redemption of the road. He has drawn the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan to the fact that the local contractor handling it has failed to do anything even after being mobilised. Not much has happened to relieve the Aro people but they say they will honour the December 30 carnival if only to save their disappearing culture and, perhaps, even consider what they can also do about the road.

    Arochukwu is about 120km from Umuahia, the Abia State capital, if the road is good. It is the third biggest city in the state after Aba and Umuahia. It shares common boundaries with Ohafia, Akwa Ibom State and some parts of Cross River.

    Apart from the fact that the city has produced great Nigerians such as Nwankwo Kanu, Mazi Sam and Mao Ohuabunwa, among others, it is also noted for its richness in staple foods and artifacts, a cultural value which has enrolled the city as one of the tourist attractions Abia State can boast of.

    The Aro Kingdom has played a great role in the pre- and post-colonial era. Anyone acquainted with Nigerian history will remember  the Aro slave trade route and market.

    The influence of the Aro-Okigbo people in Igbo and Nigeria history was so evident that there is no state in the Southeast and beyond that doesn’t have Aro settlers because the slave era found most Aro people migrating to every part of Nigeria. Wherever they went, they took their culture with them, naturally.

    The Aro Okporoenyi, Aro Ndizuogu, Aro Ikwere, Aro Yoruba, Aro Ngwa, Aro Izombe, Aro Cameroun, Aro Ajalli, Aro Oru, Aro Nkwesi, Aro Ajatakiri, Aro Ndi Ikelionwu and other Aros settled in different parts of  the country.

    However, the city with 19 villages and about 30 different traditional songs and dance steps is now in danger of losing its cultural identity. Some say if nothing is done to urgently salvage the situation, Aro heritage will in no time be swept off by a rampaging Western culture that is gaining popularity and comfort iamong the youth.

    It was based on the established findings that the Aro ancient kingdom was gradually losing its cultural heritage or identity after a careful study, that a concerned group of Aro sons and daughters in partnership with the 19 Ezeogos has agreed to recover the identity of the kingdom and prevent it from going into extinction.

    As part of the activities to mark the maiden edition of the event billed to take place at the Obinkita Square, Arochukwu, the mascot which shall serve as a symbol of the event was unveiled.

    According to the initiator of the carnival, Mr. Ndionyenma Nwankwo, the event will provide the opportunity for the revival of the Aro Kingdom’s culture which was going into oblivion.

    Mr. Nwankwo said that he was worried that the people of the area was losing its cultural values and if not properly checked, will die out  in no time.

    He said that over 3,000 Aros in Diaspora have already endorsed the programme with the backing of the 19 Ezeogos, expressing optimism that the programme will grow rapidly in years to come because of its positive in the community.

    He said, “The Aro carnival is going to restore some of our cultural values that are going into extinction. There were songs that we had in the past that are no more today. The carnival is going to bring them back. Like the Calabar and other notable cultural carnivals, it is going to revamp economic activities in our area as it will encourage our sons and daughters to come home and invest. Aro is a town anyone can come to spend his or her vacations. The carnival is going to attract tourists who will use the period of the festival to explore some of the cultural and historical sites in our place. This is the first edition of the programme and as the event progresses we are going to add values to it.

    “We have a lot of cultural values. We have to keep our culture and also use the opportunity the carnival will provide to impact it on the outside world. It will create job opportunities for the unemployed youths as we expect that many of our sons and daughters will come back to invest in Arochukwu. They will come to build hotels and among others which will in turn provide jobs for our people.

    “We are expecting that over 30 groups will be performing on that day and by the time the event progresses, more groups will be incorporated and probably the number of days for the carnival extended. But we are sticking with the December 30 plan and we believe it is going to be a huge success. We want to be remembered by our generations to come as a people that initiated this project of peace and economic boom for the people of Aro Ancient Kingdom. It is not politically motivated, but to assist our people to reawaken the cultural consciousness of the Aro people which is gradually going into extinction,” he said.

    Ndionyenma informed the audience that after the unveiling exercise, the mascot would be taken to some selected parts of the country to replicate a similar ceremony, notifying the audience that invitations had already been sent out to her sons and daughters in Diaspora and other parts of the country to honour the invitation in numbers.

    Eze Aro Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro represented by Prince Joshua Kanu Orji after unveiling the mascot urged Aro sons and daughters not to abuse the mascot, but to protect it very well as the mascot serves as a symbol of the Aro Ancient Kingdom.

    He expressed hope that the upcoming event would bring peace, love and new hope to the people of the area and their economic lives.

    Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the mascot by the Eze Aro’s representative, as well as a good dose of entertainment supplied by a cultural group at the event.

  • Agony on Arochukwu Road

    Agony on Arochukwu Road

    A failed major road in Abia State remains a pain to residents as well as Akwa Ibom and Cross River commuters since its contract was awarded to Beks Kimse, a local construction firm. After series of fruitless appeals, the community’s monarch has petitioned the Works minister, writes CHRIS OJI

    Few issues hurt Arochukwu and Ohafia residents more than their failed road. It links both communities in Abia State and also connects Akwa Ibom and Cross River. For years, it has been impassable. Owners of small vehicles learned many years ago not to put them on the road; truck drivers who dared had themselves to blame, for their vehicles often got stuck, their journeys terminated. The road has claimed many casualties, including wasted vehicles and goods.

    Arochukwu has a rich history. Many once came from distant lands to consult its Long Juju, whose site has become a tourist attraction. But the community’s tourism profile has suffered, no thanks to the poor road. Residents have made futile appeals to the Federal Government. Last year, they told President Goodluck Jonathan not to count on their votes for his second term bid if he failed to fix the road, regarded as probably the worst in the country. Then, the president had not declared any intention to run. Now he has, but the road has worsened.

    Now, the paramount and spiritual leader of the Arochukwu Kingdom, His Majesty, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro has petitioned the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen to reconsider the contract awarded to Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd to fix the road.

    Since 2012, the construction company could not build up to 2km of the 27km stretch from Ohafia to Arochukwu. Beks Kimse has a former special adviser to the president as its chief executive.

    The contract, flagged with much fanfare, was estimated at N4.8 billion with only 10 months completion time. The situation today is that the ancient town of Arochukwu with its neighbours of Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu and some Cross River and Akwa Ibom communities habe been completely cut off from the rest of the country. The present condition of the road was was the result of the heavy downpour this rainy season. Arochukwu is in the same rain belt zone as Calabar.

    The Eze Aro, who rarely make public comments could no longer bear it anymore as his subjects both at home and in Diaspora cannot access their ancestral home. Thus the letter to the minister which was copied to the Senate President, David Mark, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Ayogu Eze. Also copied were all the senators of Abia State extraction, Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, Chairman, Works Committee, Hon. Ozomgbachi and the representative of Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, Arua Arunsi. It reads:

    Dear Hon. Minister,

    “I write you this letter in the overriding public interest as a traditional ruler of Arochukwu Kingdom, on behalf of fellow citizens, my subjects and members of Nzuko Arochukwu. Honourable Minister, may I painfully inform you that Arochukwu, an ancient kingdom in Abia State, is presently cut-off from the rest of the country. The only major Federal road that connects Aro with the rest of the country is in a deplorable state. The 27 kilometer road from the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan military barracks in Ohafia to Arochukwu has been neglected for over 30 years. It has no major obstacles like bridges or difficult terrain. The only problem of the road over these years can easily be traced to promises made and promises broken!

    “Sir, for us, it is a sad commentary that a well-known community like Arochukwu reputed in history as the cradle of Igbo civilisation has found itself in such a sorry state in terms of bad roads.”

     

    Pains and frustration

     The petition reads further: In “its present terrible state, a journey from Ohafia to Arochuwku that should not last more than 20 minutes, now drags for over three hours. There is no doubt that Arochukwu-Ohafia road in its current condition is perhaps the worst Federal road in Nigeria, and this is not an exaggeration. A trip on this road is a terrible experience that no one is prepared to recommend even to one’s worst enemy. This is why for some time now many of us from Arochukwu neither travel home nor risk the shame of inviting friends and well-wishers to visit our community.

    “Our people hibernate in major cities across the world in regret while our kith and kin at home especially commuters who must use the road on a daily basis groan in fury and penury. In recent times, the residents of Arochukwu have been cut off from supply of essential goods and services from parts of Abia State and beyond because of access road.

    “In the same vein, transportation of farm produce which are in abundance in commercial quantity from Aro, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Ohafia in Abia State and the neighbouring communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states is jeopardised. Other implications include access to medical care and help on similar emergencies in Aro and the affected communities with far reaching consequences on women and children, the old and the aged.”

     

    Fed. Govt’s response

     “In November 2012, our joy knew no bounds when the Jonathan administration awarded a contract for reconstruction of the road to one indigenous company BEKS KIMSE Nigeria Ltd at the cost of about N4.8 billion. The project was expected to be completed within a period of 24 months from the date the contract was signed between the Federal Ministry of Works and the company. We in Arochukwu, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu, Abam, Ohafia and our neighbours in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State went into jubilation believing that a “Daniel had finally come to judgment”. We thought that our pains, frustration and anguish on the road were over. While publicly appreciating the Federal government’s gesture, Arochukwu in particular offered to provide any required assistance and support to the contractor to avoid excuses in getting the important job done.

     

    Contractor failure

    “Unfortunately, Honourable Minister, it is sad, a big shame and disappointment that this company, Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd, has failed itself, Arochukwu community and the Federal Government that gave it the opportunity to make an important contribution to national development in this part of the country. We are utterly disappointed over the performance of Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd. The firm has shown neither skill, competence, commitment nor sensitivity to our plight. We are shocked that this contractor has only two dilapidated bulldozers and one roller on site. As a result of poor experience and ill equipped infrastructure, they have done so much havoc on the road by scrapping the surface of about eight kilometers and abandoned same.

    With the rains, the unprotected areas has been washed off, creating deep gullies which have cut off the community from the rest of the country. The scrapping of the road by the contractor without overlaying is the worst thing that has ever happened to the road and our community. All we have seen so far after the havoc by Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd, are the two archaic caterpillars, a few shovels, some wheel barrows and diggers which the company abandoned near the Arochukwu local government headquarters since the past 18 months.

    In the circumstance, less than a quarter of a kilometer of the job has been done after nearly two years. There is every reason to believe that Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd lacks the capacity and competence to handle this project with the kind of analogue equipment they parade on site in a construction industry that has gone completely digital. While we have no information on what their specific problem may be, we have also seen no signs, equipment, skilled manpower or any form of commitment on the part of this company to execute the project. The character and performance of this company has eroded our confidence on the campaign to give equal opportunities to indigenous contractors. We are deeply concerned that this contract that we all hoped on has been rendered a failed project.

    Indeed no one, not even the contractor, has offered any explanation for this shoddy performance. To worsen our situation, there appears to be some conspiracy of silence around this project. The suspicion of our community is high, as all those who should speak out have chosen to keep quiet while the benefitting communities die slowly in silence. I wish to add that the road is currently impassable following the shoddy activities of the company. The condition of the road at the moment is worse than the way the company met it. We lack words to explain the damage which this ill-equipped company has done to the road.

     

     

  • ‘Revoke Ohafia/Arochukwu Road contract’

    Former Deputy House Leader in the House of Representatives who represented Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa has called on the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, to revoke the Ohafia/Arochukwu road contract.

    Ohuabunwa said the call became necessary because of what he described as the contractor’s lackluster performance, stressing that there is no hope that the road will be reconstructed within the stipulated time.

    The former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament lamented that the contractor has failed to convince anyone that he has the capacity to deliver on the job, adding that the people from that area are suffering indescribable hardship because of his attitude.

    Ohuabunwa said since the contractor allegedly commenced work on the road, there has not been any significant impact on the road to justify the budgetary allocation for its execution two years after the contract was awarded.

    The present deplorable state of the road despite the fact that the contractor has been mobilised for the job, he maintained, has made the road a nightmare and death trap for motorists and other road users.

    Speaking in Arochukwu when members of executive of the Abia North Progressives visited him at his country home to persuade him to represent Abia North at the Senate in 2015, Ohuabunwa said the deplorable state of the road was a matter of serious concern to him and other well-meaning people of the state.

    Ohuabunwa maintained that the present condition of the road has adversely affected the socio-economic life of the people, stressing that if the contractor is allowed to continue, many lives will be lost on the road.

    He called on members of the National Assembly from the state to liaise with their counterparts in the state Assembly to ensure that all the federal roads in the state were given proper attention to complement the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji in road infrastructure.

    The former lawmaker noted that the federal roads linking the state with its neighbours including Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states require urgent rehabilitation.

    He assured that his political position will be made known to them at the appropriate time, even as he told them to remain steadfast and avoid anything that could bring a breach of peace in the zone and the entire state.

  • Arochukwu–Ohafia road – Memo to Minister of Works

    SIR: This letter is also informed by the spirit of open government which democracy seeks to promote in any society including Nigeria where it is our choice for governance.  It is a statement on the confidence that I and our community have in your ability to intervene and address problems like ours in the road sector.

    Honourable Minister, may I painfully inform you that Arochukwu, an ancient kingdom in Abia State is presently cut-off from the rest of the country. The only major federal road that connects Aro with the rest of the country is in a deplorable state. The 27 kilometre road from the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Military Barracks Ohafia toArocukwu in Abia State has been neglected for over 30 years. It has no major obstacles like bridges or difficult terrain.The only problem of the road over these years can easily be traced to promises made and promises broken!

    It is  sad commentary that a well-known community like Arochukwu reputed as the cradle of Igbo civilization has found itself in such a sorry state in terms of bad roads.  Under its present terrible state, a journey from Ohafia to Arochukwu that should not last more than 20 minutes now drags for over three hours. There is no doubt that Arochukwu –Ohafia road in its current condition is perhaps the worst federal road in Nigeria. And this is not an exaggeration. A trip on this road is a terrible experience that no one is prepared to recommend even to one’s worst enemy. This is why for some time now, many of us from Arochukwu neither travel home nor risk the shame of inviting friends and well-wishers to visit our community.

    In November 2012, our joy knew no bounds when the Jonathan administration awarded a contract for reconstruction of the road to one indigenous company BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd at the cost of  aboutN4.8 billion.The project was expected to be completed within a period of 24 months from the date the contract was signed.

    We thought that our pains, frustration anguish on the road were over. While publicly appreciating the federal government’s gesture, Arochukwu in particular offered to provide any required assistance and support to the contractor to avoid stories and excuses in getting the important job done.

    Unfortunately, it is sad, a big shame and disappointment that this company, BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd have failed themselves, Arochukwu community and the Federal Government that gave them an opportunity to make an important contribution to national development in that part of the country.

    We are utterly disappointed on the performance of BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd. The firmhas shown no sensitivity to our plight. Apart from two archaic caterpillars, a few shovels, some wheel barrows and diggers which the company abandoned near the Arochukwu local government headquarters since the past 18 months, less than a quarter of  a kilometre of the job has been accomplished after nearly two years.

    While we have no information on what their specific problem may be, we have also seen no signs, equipment, skilled human manpower or any form of passionate commitment on the part of this company to embark on this project. We are deeply concerned that this contract that we all hoped on has been rendered a failed project.

    In the light of this unfortunate situation, I wish to appeal for urgent intervention of the Minister of Works, Arch Mike Onolenmemen, to institute a full investigation into circumstances that has led to this failed project. I also request the ministerr to do us a rare honour of visiting Arochukwu, inspect  the project site to see things for himself because seeing is believing.

    As a major   support base for the administration in the South-east, Arochukwu as a community is ready and willing to offer assistance that may be required. We trust that this passionate request   for your kind urgent intervention will attract your mercy and desired attention in the service of man and country.

     

    • Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji,