Forty-two years after the idea of building a befitting civic centre was conceived, the people of Arochukwu Kingdom have realised their dream. It was during the last Yuletide when the project came alive. The day, December 26, last year will remain a day people of Arochukwu in Abia State will live to remember and relish.
It was a remarkable day in the history of the kingdom, as a project started several years earlier was eventually inaugurated for use.
The iconic Arochukwu Civic Centre was formally opened on December 26, last year, having been taken over a year earlier by Dr. Alex Otti, who mobilised funds and coordinated its completion. Before Otti intervened, the project had stalled for a record 42 years.
The magnificent building–with its splendid interior-is located opposite the Eze Aro Palace in Oror Village. Currently, it stands as a cynosure of all eyes and a testament of the ‘can do’ spirit of the Aro in matters that concern their ancestral fatherland.
The unveiling ceremony climaxed the 2017 edition of the yearly Aro Day celebration.
On arrival, Dr Otti was ushered into the arena by the leadership of Nzuko Aro, and the women’s wing with dance and praises.
At the opening ceremony, the Eze Aro-in-Council offered prayers to the ancestors and prayed for the kingdom and the good of its people.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Dr Otti explained that he is not the one that built the civic centre, but only assisted in ensuring that it was completed.
He thanked the sons and daughters of Arochukwu who contributed immensely towards the completion of the project, even as he urged others to also show solidarity by taking up other sections of the project that are still outstanding.
He stated that an epitaph will be placed on the building indicating the names of those that made contributions towards the project.
He also listed areas that needed attention to include fencing, lighting and cooling systems, musical equipment and public address system and furniture, among others.
The Architect who designed the building, Chima Chijioke spoke about his dream at the time. He said he had a vision to create an iconic meeting place for all Aro, which he vigorously canvassed to convince the leadership of Nzuko Aro in 1975.
For him, it is now a thing of joy that the project has finally been completed. He thanked everyone that contributed to the project, which he said has added to the glory of Arochukwu Kingdom.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon, identified with the project, saying that Akwa Ibom State has always taken the welfare of Arochukwu to heart because they (Aro) are friendly neighbours.
He buttressed his statement by citing example of the Ikpe Ikot Okon Road linking Abia State through Arochukwu, which his state government is constructing.
He said Governor Emmanuel is committed to completing that road, as it will benefit both communities.
Okon gave the assurances of his principal that the road under reference will be unveiled sometime in May, this year.
The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate Mazi Mao Ohuabunwa, expressed joy that the project was finally ready for use. He pledged to provide the entire cooling system.
Dr Emma Nwadeyi, who chaired the occasion, announced a donation of N5 million towards fencing of the civic centre premises.
Many dignitaries that included Abia State Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Barrister Gab Igboko; member representing Arochukwu Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Lukeman Ukara and Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Hon. James Kalu James attended the event.
Also in attendance were Emeritus Prof, Okoro Ijoma, Arc Chima Chijioke, who designed the edifice and the President-General (PG) of Nzuko Aro, Mazi George Ezumah and his deputies, Mazi Dozie Udensi and Mazi Kingsley Nwaka.
