Let me start by admitting that the topic I was given to discuss on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 100 years anniversary of Omu Aro was: “Revival and rebranding Aro culture through celebrating 100 years of Omu Aro as a symbol of Aro culture and identity”. But I modified it to read: Celebrating 100 years of Omu Aro (1925-2025) as a symbol of Aro Culture, Identity and unity. This resonates with the ongoing Aro renaissance project which is a deliberate policy by Arochukwu kingdom leadership to revive or show intense renewed interest in promoting Aro culture, values, identity and unity. To ensure Aro culture adapts to continuous improvement process, modernity and authenticity that will keep the culture more relevant, attractive and progressive. However, we will discuss briefly as we move on the essence of reviving, rebranding and upgrading a culture for some deeper insights.

Arochukwu people are known for their rich cultural identity and cultural values with emphasis on integrity, wisdom, support system and enterprising spirit; they engage in valuable endeavors – Nchụka or Igba-mbọ. Their cultural values and identity are driven by wisdom, spirituality, integrity, tranparency, humility, and a strong support system for one another. Umu Aro are...

I have been passing through various stages of grief arising from the unexpected death of my beloved younger sister – Elder Mrs Mercy Okoro Ezuma (Nee Ivi). I thought of what story I should publish under my regular column on Aro News, I decided to publish my sincere Tributes in her honor in furtherance of...

The Aro people of Arochukwu kingdom have several philosophical principles that guide them through life. But two special “values mantras” stand out of them all;  they proclaim wisdom perspectives and character traits of the Aro, respectively. The two mantras are “Ako buIje” and “Nwa Aro icho, Nkpola icho”. They guide the Aro to do what...

Before the emergence of His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Kanu Oji as Eze Aro IX, Arochukwu kingdom has had at least eight Eze Aro who came from Ndi Oke royal family of Okennachi kindred; they had sat on the revered ancient Eze Aro throne at some different times. Arochukwu kingdom has been existing since several centuries;...

Ofor-na-Ogu, as Igbo ontological term, is used to describe certain traditional authority and  justice principles that contribute to ensure there is sanity and discipline in Igbo communities. Some of the principles in practice may involve making some petitions to the ancestors of the land or Ndi Iche for some actions and interventions on some issues;...

Before 2018, there was nothing like autonomous communities in Arochukwu kingdom.  The people of Arochukwu Kingdom have been living together peacefully and happily. A kingdom is usually governed by a king or a queen. Autonomous Communities are recent in nature and are politically being created for some communities that want to separate themselves from bigger ancient communities...

New Yam Cultural Festival marks the beginning and the ending of a farming year, during which people give thanks to God for bountiful harvests and blessings of the year. Yam is a precious native food crop that the Igbo people of Southern Nigeria value and cherish. Chinua Achebe, in his “Things Fall Apart,” describes yam...

One of the deadliest battles in life is the battle to acquire power and retain power. In a democracy, people have power to vote people into power as well as the power to vote the same people out of power. But most often the will or the power of the people to vote out bad...

“Ino Mgbede” or “Nwa-Mgbede” culture is a practice of putting away a young lady in a ‘special Mgbede care room for a period of time ranging from weeks to some months, to nurture, mentor and prepare her for imminent future quality married life; she is well cared for and beautified to be ready to parade...