The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has called on the Nzuko Arochukwu Women’s Wing Worldwide to harness the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote sustainable development
Mrs Otti made the call at Agrey Memorial College, Arochukwu, during the 2026 mass rally organised by the women’s wing, with the theme, “Arochukwu Women Empowered Through Culture, Tourism and Investment.”
Addressing participants at the event, the Abia First Lady acknowledged the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Orji, and other dignitaries, expressing pride in the kingdom’s traditional institution.
She congratulated the leadership of Arochukwu Women Worldwide for providing a platform that promotes unity, youth development, cultural preservation and community advancement.
Mrs Otti commended the women’s organisation for its contributions to community development and the welfare of the people, stressing that women should not be seen merely as beneficiaries of development but as active partners and drivers of progress.
She described the rally’s theme as timely, noting that Arochukwu’s rich history, traditional institutions, ancient trade networks, cultural festivals and historical landmarks offered enormous opportunities for tourism and economic development.
According to her, historical attractions such as Ibini Ukpabi, popularly known as the Long Juju of Arochukwu, reflect the uniqueness and depth of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
She, however, stressed that the heritage must go beyond celebrations and storytelling to become a source of economic value, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The governor’s wife identified hospitality, indigenous fashion, arts and crafts, entertainment and cultural tourism as areas where investments could create opportunities for local businesses and empower residents.
She called for deliberate investments, skills development, strategic partnerships and innovation to unlock these opportunities, adding that Arochukwu women had a significant role to play in the kingdom’s transformation.
Mrs Otti also highlighted the importance of infrastructure in boosting tourism and economic activities, commending the ongoing infrastructural development under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
She further acknowledged the contributions of Arochukwu indigenes working to translate the governor’s development vision into reality.
In his remarks, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Orji, urged women to preserve their cultural heritage, promote tourism, invest in businesses and embrace entrepreneurship as essential pillars of the kingdom’s development.
The monarch said the future of Arochukwu could not be determined solely within the king’s palace or by men, but also through the contributions of women in homes, markets, classrooms and boardrooms.
He described the women gathered at the rally as evidence that the vision of an inclusive and progressive Arochukwu was gradually becoming a reality.
Eze Aro urged mothers to teach their children to respect elders, uphold traditional customs, wear indigenous attire, speak the Arochukwu language and appreciate local cuisine.
He also encouraged parents to involve their children in cultural activities, describing the traditional Ojojo dance showcased at the event as a beautiful expression of the kingdom’s rich heritage.
The monarch identified several attractions that could promote tourism in Arochukwu, including Ibini Ukpabi, the Arochukwu waterfalls, the 79 Steps, traditional shrines, rivers, diaspora settlements and colonial-era buildings.
He noted that these historical sites and cultural assets could attract visitors, encourage cultural exchange and stimulate economic activities within the kingdom.
According to him, tourists are increasingly interested in authentic cultural experiences, including traditional music, dance, indigenous cuisine, customs and the hospitality of local communities.
He therefore urged women to take the lead in promoting Arochukwu’s cultural renaissance and positioning the kingdom as a destination for cultural and historical tourism.
Earlier, the President-General of the Nzuko Arochukwu Women’s Wing Worldwide, Ezinne Chibuzo Onyekwere, welcomed participants to the 2026 mass rally, describing the gathering as unique and significant.
She explained that the annual rally had been suspended for two years due to misunderstandings within the organisation, adding that the period had been used to resolve internal issues and restore unity.
Quoting an Igbo proverb, “Onye ụlọ ya na-agba ọkụ, anaghị achụ nta oke,” she said the organisation had prioritised putting its house in order before resuming the rally.
Onyekwere thanked God for the safe journeys of participants and expressed appreciation to Mrs Otti for making time to attend the event despite her busy schedule.
She also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to empower women and young people through vocational skills acquisition in catering, tailoring, event decoration, gele tying, cosmetology and confectionery production.
According to her, many members had benefited from the programmes, which were designed to promote self-reliance and economic independence.
The president-general called on stakeholders to support the organisation’s initiatives and contribute to the development of Arochukwu Kingdom.
