By Madam Veronica Olugu (Ezi Ada Aro Okeigbo) President of Aro Women North America, Inc
Aro Okigbo nmanma nu o…. Our Chairman for this event, special supporters, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – all protocols observed. It is with profound appreciation and humility that I stand before you for this history-making evening. It is, therefore, with a deep sense of honor and privilege that I welcome you, on behalf of the Aro Women North America to this special occasion.
Aro Women North America, Inc., is the global diaspora organization, uniting women, daughters, and wives, who share the great lineage and heritage of Arochukwu.
The special event this evening is focused on the induction of our new members and fundraising for a worthy cause on healthcare. We will also recognize a few outstanding personalities in our community.
This group came together for the first time in 2003 when, Dr. Mrs. Doris Kanu Orji (Ada Ukwu Aro) visited Houston and called the Aro Women together in a meeting. This gave birth to Nzuko Aro Women’s wing, Houston. Subsequently, Lady Irene Obazei (Ezinwa Aro) was elected the 1st President of the organization.
In the year 2017, during the All Aro USA convention, several women from States and locations indicated their interest to become members of this honorable association.
The decision was unanimously made to incorporate them and as a result, we metamorphosed into Aro Women North America, Inc.
In the year 2020, we became duly registered, formalized and unanimously adopted our current constitution. The major objective of this organization is to provide a much-needed platform for Aro women in the North American diaspora to address issues affecting the welfare of women, children and families — especially within our communities in the United States of America and at home in all Aro communities.
In this particular phase of our organization, the focus is on healthcare of women in our communities.
Why? Reports show that a considerable percentage of illnesses and mortalities in our Aro communities are due to avoidable and treatable factors. Many of our women have died during childbirth due to conditions that could have been better managed such as gestational hypertension, and eclampsia — to mention but a few. As at the date (middle of 2023), this organization has completed some commendable projects such as the building and equipping of a local maternity clinic in Arochukwu.
We have also identified other areas of great need in order to mobilize this clinic to run as a modern medical facility that would provide care to women and children, including those from neighboring villages. We are on the lookout for sponsors who will help us by providing (sponsoring) the provision of medical consumable supplies such as medications, lab supplies, and other general medical supplies.
We need sponsors who will assist us with the provision of some medical equipment (Vital signs monitoring machines, Glucometers, Ultrasound monitoring devices and many others). We need a Mammogram Machine for the clinic due to the high incidence of late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer among our local women.
Our vision is progressive and highly relevant — as such it continues to attract women who are visionaries and committed to making positive changes in our communities. We, therefore, continue to grow in number as many Aro daughters and wives identify with our vision. Hence, we will induct new members today.
I will not end this address without recognizing and honoring key individuals who have supported the vision and organization. Among them are Mama Mary Okoro (Nne Oha Aro Okeigbo), Late Mazi Hubert Nwokolo (Ugwu Aro), Reverend Prince Joshua Oji (Ugwu Aro), Dr. Chido Nwangwu (Ihe Ka Ego), and Mazi Emmanuel Nnadozie (Ugo Chinyere Atani) and Chief Mrs. Mary Bogwu (Ezi Enyi Umu Aro).
We wouldn’t have reached this far and achieved so much without their support. I will like to acknowledge and thank everyone who helped to make this day a reality — especially, the committees, the executives, all of our members and our invitees.
We have several activities, entertainment, and refreshments for your enjoyment. We say: please, feel at home, relax and enjoy! Inyi ndewoo nu ooo!
