“Celebrating My Inauguration as the 9th Eze Aro: Forging a Royal Pact with Umu Aro for the Prosperity of Arochukwu Kingdom
The power of community lies in its ability to unite and assist people in ways that individuals cannot achieve alone. Our cherished Arochukwu Kingdom is no exception, and the fruits of our collective efforts will be the result of a harmonious integration of Umu Aro and stakeholders, placing us prominently on the global stage. Yet, achieving this noble goal necessitates a reinvention and strengthening of the core values that define us – truth, equity, fairness, mutual respect, accountability, integrity, and the security of lives and property. As Helen Keller wisely said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
The tradition of the coronation ceremony is ancient, its origins obscured by the mists of history, but its spirit and significance continue to shine through the ages, brighter now than ever before. I pledge my unwavering commitment to serving all Umu Aro and the Arochukwu Kingdom, striving to earn your trust and fulfill your expectations. My mission is to make Aro-Okeigbo great once more, grounded in our shared interests.
My Vision: “To elevate Arochukwu onto the global stage through the collective efforts of our people, for the benefit of our beloved Kingdom.” Our anchor will be the principle of going far together, in contrast to going quickly alone. This vision is rooted in the welfare of our people, and you, as Nwa Aro Okeigbo, are integral to our success.
My Mission: “To inspire and promote our culture, consciousness, justice, development, and security.” During my tenure as the 9th Eze Aro, these principles will guide our path. It’s essential to emphasize that our villages form the bedrock of our cherished Kingdom, providing us with strength. To realize our mission, we must prioritize lasting peace in all villages, both within traditional institutions and developmental associations and unions. Building a Kingdom founded on truth, justice, equity, and fairness will ensure the stability of our villages and, in turn, bring recognition to our Kingdom at the national and global levels.
Our Institutional Thrust:
Establishing trust, peace, and security will open the door to unprecedented socio-economic, sociopolitical, and sociocultural developments in Arochukwu Kingdom. We are blessed with abundant human and natural resources, set against a divine backdrop of stunning topography. Our commitment to the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’ philosophy and partnerships with governments, along with the support of Umu Aro both at home and abroad, will be at the heart of our endeavors.
In collaboration with you (both at home and in the diaspora) as Nwa Aro, and governments at all levels, we will focus on accelerated development in Arochukwu through the introduction of EHATS:
a. Education
b. Health
c. Agriculture
d. Tech, Trade, and Tourism
e. Security
Education: Recognizing education as the foundation of any society, I will work to enhance and sustain funding for the Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA) through a robust relationship with the state government. We will support and encourage individuals to establish scholarship schemes in collaboration with Nzuko Aro Leadership, benefiting exceptional students, indigent students, and Persons With Disabilities (PWD). No Aro child shall secure admission in a government higher institution and be unable to fulfill their dreams. We will also promote vocational training for our youths and encourage adults to take advantage of part-time education programs at ASCETA.
Health: Acknowledging the importance of health, I will use my office to support well-meaning initiatives in our Kingdom, expanding healthcare services. Partnerships with governments, especially at the state and federal levels, will be pursued to attract more healthcare resources. We will focus on mental health management to address issues like depression and suicide.
Agriculture: Encouraging mechanized agriculture and agro-industries among Umu Aro, we will partner with governments to create an enabling environment and offer necessary incentives for investment. This strategy will lead to job creation, reduced criminal activities, and economic growth.
Tech, Trade, and Tourism: Fostering technology and information technology, we aim to establish a tech hub in Aro, encouraging our youths to acquire knowledge and expertise. Our goal is to make Arochukwu a hub for tech solutions, opening up opportunities for job creation and reducing negative influences on our youths.
The success of our tech initiative will have a positive impact on trade across various sectors, leading to increased government revenue, property business opportunities, and growth in construction and building materials sectors. Tourism, a key driver of job creation and revenue generation, will be revitalized by tapping into our untapped potentials.
Security: Adequate security is essential to realizing our lofty goals. I will work closely with Ogos and Nzuko Aro to address this critical aspect. To keep our young adults engaged and reduce crime, we will focus on community policing, convoking a security summit, and enhancing relationships with relevant security agencies.
My dear Aro brethren, the challenge of rejuvenating Aro, restoring our image, and sustaining trust is immense, but together we can achieve it. I call on you to join us in shaping our desired future for Aro Okeigbo. Let’s move forward and stay focused, putting Aro Okeigbo first.
Today, I announce the launch of the “Make Aro-Okeigbo Great Again Initiative” (MAGAI). This initiative will be realized through the five agenda vision of *EHATS*. I encourage everyone who has been in any way offended to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of Aro Okeigbo.
I also extend a warm invitation to our professionals at home and abroad to contribute their thoughts and actions towards Aro’s development. We welcome your ideas and proposals, as this is the time for us to rise and make a difference. Our shared patriotism and selflessness will be our foundation, transcending personal interests.
The Holy Book tells us, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ (Galatians 6:9) May we, as Umu Aro, never lose our resolve.
I express my deepest gratitude to each of you and assure you of my unwavering commitment to serve the Arochukwu Kingdom.
“Nwa Aro icho, nkpo-ola icho !!!”
HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu
Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke
9th Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom