In preparation for the celebrating Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary, a presidential delegation on July 3, 2020, visited the ancient town of Arochukwu in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State.
The visit was reportedly facilitated by the Abia State government.
The delegation led by President Muhammadu Buhari’s official photographer Mr. Bayo Omoboriowo, arrived Arochukwu with a helicopter, which landed at ASCETA field, was received by the Transition Committee Chairman of Arochukwu LGA, Mazi Jideofor Kanu, who represented the Abia State government.
Omoboriowo explained that he was on the trip to take record of relics and artifacts especially at the historic Ibini Ukpabi site.
He acknowledged that Arochukwu ancient Kingdom is a historic place with the Ibini Ukpabi (Long Juju) as a major tourist attraction, which is recognized nationally and globally, adding that he hopes to explore the nature and wonders of the caves.
The team, on arrival, was driven in a convoy to the palace of His Majesty, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro (CFR), the Eze Aro, where they were received by the triumvirate – Eze Aro representative, Mazi Orji Kanu Orji; Eze Ibom Isii, Mazi Kanu Okereke Kanu; and Eze Ezeagwu, Mazi Okoroafor Uroh, who gave their royal blessings.
In his welcome speech, the Transition Committee Chairman, Mazi Emmanuel Jideofor Kanu, commended the team for the visit to Arochukwu and assured them that information gathered from the Ibini Ukpabi site will enrich the compendium, adding that the ancient town of Arochukwu as the cradle of Igbo civilization has a number of tourist locations that are waiting to be harnessed.
He called on the Presidency and the Ministry of Tourism to develop these sites, which has said will help boost the economy of the country.
Thereafter, he led the delegation and others to a long and adventurous trek through the Ibini Ukpabi site route.
The compendium, it was learned, will be launched on October 1, 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of activities marking the 60th independence celebration of Nigeria.
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