latest
Ikeji Aro Festival Celebrates New Yam Harvest And Aro Heritage Worldwide
Ikeji Aro Festival Celebrates New Yam Harvest And Aro Heritage Worldwide....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Ikeji Aro festival is a vibrant celebration marking the bountiful harvest of new yam and the commencement of a new yam season among the Arochukwus, predominantly located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. This special and festive event, known as Ikeji Aro, is observed in the ancestral home of Arochukwu and on varying dates in Aro heritage communities across Igbo land, parts of Nigeria, the Cameroons, and related diasporan communities.
Read Also Nigerian Police Apprehend 22-Year-Old Suspected Rapist And Robber In Ondo State
From Los Angeles to Dublin, from Ihiala to Ndikerionwu, from Atani to Ajatakiri, and from Ajalli (Ujari) to Arondizuogu, the dedication of those sharing the heritage of the ancient Aro kingdom of Arochukwu is truly commendable. In September, the Ikeji Aro festival continues to be a prominent showcase of the enduring traditions of the Aro civilization, featuring a rich array of yam displays, masquerades, cultural ceremonies, diverse dances, and celebrations.
These foundational elements are deeply rooted in the Aro’s regal and diverse heritage, making Ikeji Aro a festival that embodies cultural, economic, and social significance, as well as synergistic capabilities. It serves as a global celebration of unity and strength for the Aro people.
Throughout history and across generations, Aro diaspora personalities and communities have played a crucial role as advocates for entrepreneurship, industry, progress, education, and fairness. They have contributed significantly to their respective communities, numbering at least 221 across the entire South East, South South, along the Benue River, and Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
To comprehend the rise of the Aro empire, the growth of the Aro Confederacy, and the consolidation of the Aro nation’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political influence, one must recognize the role of the “Aro Uzo,” the Aro diaspora. Their administrative efficiency, occasional deployment of coercive power, and awareness of the ancient kingdom’s vast reach from Arochukwu contributed to these achievements.
Despite challenges at home and abroad, the Aro identity and purposes have remained steadfast, championed through joyful affirmations and authenticity. It is vital to encourage reading of books that delve into Aro history and civilization, such as those by scholars like Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike, Prof. Adiele Afigbo, Prof. Okoro Ijoma, and Mazi O.P Kanu, among others.
The diaspora Aro, who permanently settled in new homes outside Arochukwu, have made significant contributions, establishing over 200 Aro settlements between AD 1650 and 1900 in southeastern Nigeria.
Looking ahead, it is essential to empower a new generation of visionaries and AI scientists who can advance the Aro Civilization and Identity, transcending historical descriptions. The Aro heritage has a rich history that extends beyond its roles as a “slaving oligarchy” in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the words of Jay-Z, a prominent hip-hop mogul and artist, “Identity is a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow.” Embracing and utilizing the Aro identity can help navigate a changing world.
In conclusion, as custodians of the Aro civilization, it is crucial for the Aro people to champion and preserve their heritage in a world undergoing transformation. “Aro oke Igbo, nma nma nu o!”
According to Nivo News, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, has announced that all 38 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were arrested during last weekend’s protest, will be released.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, Iyamu confirmed that some students were released on Tuesday, with the remainder set to be freed on Wednesday. He explained that the state government had been working tirelessly overnight to ensure the students’ release.
The Commissioner noted that the protest, which resulted in property damage, was orchestrated by unscrupulous individuals from outside Edo State. He emphasized that the government remains committed to peace and unity, urging that demonstrations should be conducted in an orderly manner. Iyamu recalled that during a peaceful protest on May 13, 2025, students were received by Governor Monday Okpebholo, highlighting the importance of following due process during demonstrations.
He added that following the restoration of order in Ekpoma, academic activities have been approved to resume. “We have released the communiqué this morning. Students are to return to school on Monday. Normalcy has been restored, and security agencies are actively ensuring peace is maintained,” Iyamu said.
According to Nivo News, Nigerian celebrity entrepreneur Okechukwu Pascal, popularly known as Cubana ChiefPriest, has described politicians who criticise Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as malicious, vowing that such figures will be rejected by voters in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
ChiefPriest made the remarks while reacting to criticisms from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who had alleged that Governor Otti was merely rehabilitating old roads instead of constructing new ones.
In a strongly worded post shared on his Instagram page, the businessman accused unnamed politicians of resorting to what he termed “empty praise” of President Bola Tinubu as a strategy to shield themselves from accountability over alleged corruption. He argued that Governor Otti, alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, stands out as one of the few leaders in the South-East delivering tangible development rather than recycled promises.
Drawing from personal experience, ChiefPriest said the level of infrastructural growth currently visible in Abia and Imo States was unprecedented, stressing that the progress witnessed in recent years surpassed anything he had seen growing up in Aba. He dismissed other political actors in the region as unserious, accusing them of making noise without delivering meaningful results.
The celebrity businessman further declared that Governor Otti and Governor Uzodimma represent the genuine leadership forces in the South-East, insisting that the electorate would no longer tolerate what he described as deception and underperformance. He warned that politicians who continue to attack Governor Otti would face political rejection at the polls in 2027.
ChiefPriest also praised Governor Uzodimma’s influence and leadership within the region, describing him as a stabilising force whose role has been instrumental in sustaining political cooperation and progress in the South-East. He concluded by expressing confidence that the region was on an upward trajectory under the current crop of leadership.
According to Nivo News, the Federal Government has bestowed national honours on a number of serving officers and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army, including a brigadier general who lost his life in active service, in recognition of outstanding bravery, innovation and exemplary leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The honours were presented on Tuesday night during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. Details of the awards were disclosed in an official statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Among those honoured was the late Brigadier General Musa Uba, who received a posthumous Gallantry Award for his exceptional courage and frontline leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. The army noted that General Uba was killed in November 2025 after his team was ambushed by terrorists near Wajiroko along the Damboa Road while transporting military equipment.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was decorated with the Service and Sacrifice Award in recognition of his leadership in military operations and his role in strengthening internal security strategies across various operational theatres. The same category also recognised Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division in Lagos, for their outstanding operational leadership and commitment to duty.
Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his decisive role in repelling multiple terrorist attacks under intense pressure while sustaining operational effectiveness. In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was honoured for designing a modified ballistic gunboat now deployed under Operation DELTA SAFE.
The late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his contributions to Operation HADIN KAI, while Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award in recognition of his efforts in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), was presented with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his military reforms between 2015 and 2021, as well as his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, loyal and united, describing them as custodians of Nigeria’s democracy. He also announced the approval of two national initiatives, the “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall” and the “My Nigerian Hero Campaign,” aimed at deepening public appreciation for military service.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour fallen heroes, celebrate serving personnel and acknowledge the enduring contributions of veterans in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
-
latest5 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges