Neniv Conference and Events Centre situated along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road in Lagos, was the venue of the first Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of the George Ezuma-led Nzuko Arochukwu. On the 18th of June, 2016, Umu Aro were the cynosure of all eyes as they dazzled onlookers and passersby with their unique dressing. The women, as usual, were a beauty to behold in their white blouse and red wrappers with red head gears to match. As Umu Aro arrived from their various places of abode, Mafoluku and its environs witnessed a wonderful display of culture associated with the Aros.
Prior to the D-day, the host branch – Nzuko Aro Lagos- raised a seven-member committee headed by Mazi Jideofor Kanu to plan what eventually turned out to be one of the best organized CECs in the annals of the union. Nzuko Aro members from other branches started arriving the Centre of Excellence von Friday the 17th of June. As they arrived, a dinner cum social night awaited them at the residence of Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi. Food and drinks flowed till the wee hours of the morning. Still savouring the hospitality of the previous day, they were conveyed to the residence of Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa OFR, for breakfast before the commencement of the business of the day. As they left the residence of Ugboma, all roads led to an already decorated Neniv Events Centre.
After the opening prayer and introduction, Mazi George Ezuma was led into the hall by the women of Lagos wing with a special welcome song. The traditional presentation of kolanuts and ‘’Iburu oji’’ as usual witnessed so much as branches tried to outdo each other. The president of Lagos branch welcomed all to the august gathering while Mazi Udo Chijioke presented a paper on the security situation in Arochukwu. In his address, the President General enjoined all to be part takers in moving Arochukwu forward. He announced the composition of two standing committees viz: Elders and Ikeji while also announcing the names of the following as ex officio’s namely Nnamdi Udoh, Ernie Onwumere, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Azubuike Okoro and Kanu Ohuche.
The immediate past Central Working Executive Committee handed over to the present administration after six years in the saddle with the house mandating Elder Ik Onu, Mazi Emma Nnaekpe and Sir Adindu Elekwa to look into the books. The member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uko Nkole graced the occasion and announced that the governor of Abia State had released the sum of N60million for continuation of work on the Ndi Okereke –Ozu Abam –Arochukwu road. He also made a personal donation of N1million towards palliative work on the road. The PG announced that the union has decided to carry out palliative work on the road by direct labour. He called on Umu Aro to make donations to the noble cause before we are cut off from the rest of the world. They responded positively as many made contributions in other to ensure that some work is done to alleviate the sufferings of Umu Aro.
The two warring factions of the women’s wing were dissolved with a committee headed by Lady Uzunma Imoko, Prof (Mrs.) O.C. Nwana, Madam Ogonnaya Onyechere charged with the responsibility of chatting a new course for the women by coming up with modalities for a peaceful resolution of the crisis and conduct of new election. The host branch presented a cake to celebrate a successful maiden CEC in the tenure of George Ezuma. Members of the exco and a few select Umu Aro paid a courtesy call on Dr. Alex Otti on Sunday the 19th of June. The team was introduced to Dr. Otti by Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi after which the host entertained them lavishly. Not to be outdone by Dr. Otti’s hospitality, Mazi Emma Okereke (Mannyxville) invited the team to his house were another round of entertainment took place.
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