On Saturday December 5, 2015 the entire body of Nzuko Arochukwu, Abuja branch, plus guests that came from far and near, staged a befitting get-together that was filled with fun and thrills to mark the end of 2015 at the federal capital city. As early as 2pm, the entire environment of the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre , Area 10, Garki, Abuja became a cynosure of attention as passers-by watched and admired umu-Aro who were decked in full traditional attire, swarming around the main bowl of the Cultural Centre, venue of the dinner party and end-of-the-year activities. The ceremony was sponsored and hosted by Mazi George Ezumah (Ugwu-Aro) and chaired by Sir Dave Imoko (Ugwu-Aro). The Nzuko Arochukwu National Excowere ably represented by the first-vice president general.
Other prominent personalities in attendance included the SA to the Honorable Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mazi and Mrs. Ochi Achinivu, Dr. & Mrs. O J Nnanna, Deputy Governor, CBN, representative of the host, Mazi J C Imuoh, (Ikemba Aro), Engineer Goddy Ijeoma, MD/CEO, Alpha-plus Ltd, Dr Azubike Okoro (Ikemba Aro), Mazi Uche Oti (Ikemba Aro), Engineer Alex Ezumah, Mazi U.S.J Ojukwu (patron) and Dr. Kanu Friday Ohuche. Also in attendance were representatives of the Abia organization, Abuja, Barrister Nwankwo Udonsi, Barrister Nelson Oji, Legal Adviser General, Nzuko Aro, and many others.
Richly clad in traditional attire, the audience became a center of attention as many people momentarily abandoned other activities to catch a glimpse of the performance by Okeigbo cultural troupe and other side attractions that entertained the audience. In his opening remarks, Mazi Fidelis Okoro Nwosu, President, Nzuko Arochukwu, Abuja thanked God for keeping Umu-Aro throughout the out-going year and for making it possible for the many achievements recorded. According to him, the dinner party event was just the right tonic needed to wind down the year and to prepare for another productive year in the task of moving umu-Aro in the FCT to the next level. He paid glowing tributes to the past presidents of Nzuko Aro, Abuja branch who worked hard to build a strong union for the community and thanked the audience for making out time to attend the function and enjoined them not to relent in projecting the culture and traditions of Arochukwu. Mazi Fidelis Okoro Nwosu, in a special way credited Mazi George Ezuma and family that generously volunteered to host the entire community in order to commemorate a successful year in the life of the union. Finally, he wished people that will be traveling to Arochukwu for Xmas celebrations journey mercies and requested all to relax and enjoy the special foods and drinks in the cozy atmosphere.
As part of the activities that marked the event, the chairman Mazi Dave Imoko presided over the launch of the 2016 calendar produced by the branch. He invited the chairman of the calendar committee, Dr Azubike Okoro who gave a brief on the historic photographs and several land- mark cultural symbols in the calendar. Dr Azubike Okoro informed the audience that those cultural artifacts were specifically selected to depict the rich culture of the kingdom, including their preservation for future generations. Thereafter, Mazi Ochi Achinivu, Dr O J Nnnanna, Mazi USJ Ojukwu, Nzuko Aro first Vice President plus Mazi Dave Imoko launched the calendar with various amounts. It was subsequently followed by general launch and sale during which lots of cash and pledges were recorded.
Thereafter, Mazi O J Nnanna presided over the annual ceremony of Xmas gift presentation to qualified members of Nzuko Aro Abuja Cooperative Society. Aro News learnt that those that benefited from the many bags of rice that were given out were those with minimum balances in their account and it was graduated based on the size of bags of rice that was given out.
It will be recalled that the union had earlier in the year put together a committee which was led by Mazi Ikechukwu Ogbonna and Michael Kanu as chairman and secretary, respectively to plan and execute the end-of-the-year event. The planning committee worked in partnership with the exco and the representative of the chief host. The activities commenced at 2pm and the security measures which was also heightened by the general security consciousness in the city ensured that unwanted guests were effectively restrained from accessing the venue. Mazi Julius Imuoh on behalf of the host thanked everyone for finding time to be in attendance. He excused the absence of the host due to official engagements and reiterated his desire and determination to contest the post of president general, Nzuko Arochukwu in 2016. According to Mazi Imuoh, Mazi Ezuma has marked out strategic developmental goals to be pursued if elected which shall effectively turn the fortune of umu Aro for better. He therefore, requested members to join forces with the strategic committee which he heads to ensure that the forthcoming election is resoundingly successful.
Thereafter, the chairman, Mazi Dave Imoko appealed to the audience to relax and enjoy the evening. Many people heeded his advice and descended on the choice food and drinks which were in abundance with musical interludes by both the DJ and Okeigbo Cultural Troupe.
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