The Abia State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Dr. Math Ekwuribe, has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Abia.
Dr. Ekwuribe gave the assurance while receiving members of the Ikeji Aro Festival Planning Committee, who paid him a courtesy visit to brief him on the ongoing Ikeji Aro Cultural Festival holding in the historic Arochukwu Kingdom.
He revealed that the Ministry has already commenced beautification projects across the state, including the artistic enhancement of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) fence in Umuahia, handled by in-house artists.
“We have started beautification of several locations, and very soon, we will begin the molding of cultural monuments,” the Commissioner stated.
Speaking further, he explained:
“The Aro Ikeji Festival is here, and the grand finale will hold on the 26th of September 2025. We are working hand in glove with the National Commission for Monuments and are about to sign an MoU that will pave the way for the resuscitation of several heritage sites, including the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Isiuzu Waterfall, Ibom Waterfall, Oloko Magistrate Court, Nwagbara Agomuo Compound in Umuahia, Waterfall in Isuikwuato, Cave in Umunneochi, Azumili Blue River, Akwaete Beach, Obeaku City Lake, and Amaukwu Ekeobasi in Osisioma, among others.”
On his part, the President General of Nzuko Aro, Hon. Sir Nnadozie Udensi, commended Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for projecting Aro culture to the world.
“We have a festival that spans 19 days. Each of our kindreds showcases their culture on different days, making Ikeji Aro very unique,” Udensi explained.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the UNESCO Listing Committee on Ikeji Arochukwu, Mazi Achilehu Okoroafor, highlighted the significance of each day of the festival, describing Ikeji as a journey of covenant, thanksgiving, unity, and celebration.
According to him:
• Monday, 8th September 2025 (Afor Umuneze Awada): A day when the Aro people open sacred covenant places in preparation for the festival.
• Friday, 12th September 2025: A symbolic festival day known for its spiritual importance.
• Tuesday, 16th September 2025 (Afor Nduwata Nwaekpe): A day of reaffirming unity, when the Aro renew their covenant to live together and protect one another. Nwaekpe, he explained, symbolizes a woman and embodies love and community readiness.
• Saturday, 20th September – Nkwo Nzukoro: The day new yams are brought into households, marking gratitude for harvest. Families celebrate with feasts, while those unable to farm buy large yams to show joy for God’s blessings.
• Sunday, 21st September – Mponsukoro: The bustling festival market day when communities stock up food and sacrificial items. The day also features masquerade displays and preparations for the new season.
• Monday, 22nd September: The official day of welcoming the new season with community-wide celebrations and masquerades.
• Tuesday, 23rd September – Oryobu: A day of sacrifice. Unlike the American tradition of pardoning a turkey, the Aro people slaughter goats and prepare delicacies that are preserved for subsequent days.
• Wednesday, 24th September – Opening of the New Yam: Families open their doors to eat the new yam together. Traditionally, the women who prepare the yam must be women of virtue, faithful throughout their lives, underscoring the sacredness of the rite.
• Thursday, 25th September – Ibom Isii Day: A highlight event where the six sections of the Ibom Isii come together for wrestling contests, traditional dances, and displays of strength. It is also a day when suitors emerge, as women admire the strength and courage of young men.
• Friday, 26th September – Akebe Day: The grand finale of the Ikeji Festival. On this day, over 500 Aro communities across the world converge, bringing colorful masquerades from different settlements, including Cameroon and Gabon. It is the most celebrated day, when the Eze Aro makes a public appearance, giving many their only chance to see him.
• Saturday, 27th September – Ubila (Rest Day): The closing day of the festival, set aside for rest, thanksgiving, and reflection, as families return to their farms and normal activities.
Mazi Okoroafor described Ikeji as a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and tourism that unites Aro people globally.
He called on Abians and Nigerians at large to join in celebrating the Ikeji Festival, stressing that beyond its rituals, it is a symbol of unity, thanksgiving, and cultural pride.
Other members of the delegation included Mazi Sir Kingsley Chijioke (representing Barr. Oscar Chukwuma Okorie, Chairman of Ikeji Aro Committee), Mazi Oba Nnaemeria (President of Nzuko Aro, Umuahia Branch), Mazi Achilihu Okoroafor (Chairman, Sub-Committee on UNESCO and Culture), Mazi Chinatu Okoro, and Mazi Enyinnaya Okoro.
