Aro News Publications Ltd, the publishers of Aro News Newspapers has lost one of its pioneer columnists, Elder Jonathan Nwagba Oji. The late Mazi JN Oji, as he was popularly known, was a regular contributor and his several articles earned the culture and civilization’s section of the foremost community tabloid fame amongst readers globally. He wrote extensively on the history and origin of some Arochukwu villages, marriage ceremonies and the beginning of Christianity in Arochukwu kingdom.
A notable teacher and school administrator cum community manager of men, Mazi Oji who was equally very cerebral was part of the initial sustaining force that gave Aro News its household name as the primary tabloid of the ancient kingdom. After reading some of his seminal articles, some people such as the ex-Union Bank boss, Mazi Gibsom Ihe started calling for the preservation of the rich historical articles which eventually led to the creation of Aro News Book Series.
The series currently has three titles – Perspectives on Aro History & Civilization: the Splendor of a Great Past Vols. 1, 2 and 3 and Mazi Oji’s articles featured in some of the volumes. No doubt, being a foremost educationist, Mazi Oji knew the kind of role such works will play in the education of the younger generation who now rely on the texts to navigate some grey areas of Aro history.
Beyond that, the late Mazi Jonathan Oji joined forces in working assiduously for the institutionalization of Aro News, so it is to his credit that the community quarterly celebrated 20th year anniversary recently. All through his retirement years, he looked forward to successive editions of Aro News and in January 2018, he gladly played host to our correspondents that took copies of the 20th anniversary souvenirs, including the calendar to his residence. As ever, he discussed some of his past books and the last one he was working on and promised not to leave any stoned unturned for the cause of enlightenment and education. He will be dearly missed by former and current associates and staff of the publishing house, especially for his honesty and diligent services. Adieu, Rt Hon J N Oji.
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