Arochukwu Kingdom Presents  Repackaged Ikeji Festival, As New Eze Aro Hosts The World

Once again, global attention has turned to Arochukwu Kingdom, following the commencement of its annual new yam festival adjudged the best east of the Niger.


The leadership echelon of Arochukwu Kingdom, after due consultations, recently announced the commencement of 2024 Ikeji Aro cultural festival in its repackaged format.

Themed ‘Culture for Aro Renaissance, Unity and Youth Empowerment’, this year’s fiesta, according to the organizers, has been enriched with more activities for global appeal.


It is the first to be superintended by the new Eze Aro, His Eminence Engr. Dr Eberechukwu Oji, two months after the world gathered in Arochukwu to celebrate his coronation as the Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom.

Although daily activities lined up on the Ikeji calendar commenced on September 5 and steadily gathering momentum, expectations are high on the four-day crescendo, which kicks in from September 20.


According to the calendar, ‘Orie Egbugbu’ cultural event comes up on Friday, September 20.


On the same day, an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Church Service is scheduled to hold at the Aro Civic Centre, Oror, by 10am.

After the day-time Afo Osu Ekpo masquerade displays on Saturday, September 21, Ikeji Dinner – featuring Aro traditional cuisine such as ‘Ikoko’, ‘Igbugbu Akpakpa’, ‘Akpuruakpu Enini’, etc is scheduled to also hold at the Civic Centre, by 8pm.


Besides, ‘Light up Aro’, a project that is dear to Eze Aro, will also be launched on the same day.


‘Light up Aro’ is a socio-economic intervention project entailing the installation of solar street lamps across the 19 villages in Arochukwu Kingdom, which will illuminate the landscape with a view to stamping out the hiding places of scoundrels.

Day3 – Sunday, September 22 – is Nkwo Ekpe, a day traditionally set aside for wrestling contests among able-bodied youths.


Also, according to a statement issued by the duo of Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor; Chair of the Ikeji Aro 2024 Central Planning Committee, and Dr Azubike Okoro, Chair, Media, to elucidate the Ikeji calendar, other activities lined up for the day include Nzuko Aro CEC meeting, which holds by 1pm at the Civic Centre.

Just as the meeting is rounding off, Ikeji Aro Okeigbo Lecture on ‘Medicinal and Food Values of Aro Traditional Food & Plants’ will begin at the same venue, by 6pm.

It will be delivered by Mazi Joseph O. Nwankwo, a Professor of Biochemistry and currently Deputy Vice Chancellor, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt.

Finally, Monday, September 23, is Eke Ekpe Aro – the climax of the celebrations – when all the Aro villages, invited guests, tourists, and culture enthusiasts will converge on Amaikpe Square at Obinkita village, to savour the showcasing of Arochukwu culture at its best.

Eze Aro, His Eminence Engr. Dr Eberechukwu Oji, is billed to address the august audience, as well make presentation of trophies and cash support to the first set of beneficiaries in the Aro Youth Enterprise programme.

Indeed Arochukwu Kingdom is already agog with excitement as tourists, Umu Aro and their friends, including many expected to be part of the ceremony from numerous Arochukwu communities in the Diaspora, plus sons and daughters overseas who shall watch the events live via Facebook Live and YouTube are full of anticipation on the several innovations scheduled to be unveiled in this year’s festival.