What began nearly three decades ago as one man’s vision in Arochukwu Kingdom has grown into one of Nigeria’s most enduring community newspapers.
Aro News Publications Limited, founded by erstwhile journalist and community leader, Dr. Azubike Okoro, is poised to mark its 30th anniversary as a voice, archive, and rallying point for Aro people all over the world.
Dr. Okoro established the publication in the mid-1990s to bridge the information gap between Aros in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora and to encourage research on Aro History and Civilization.
Initially a one-man, non-profit operation printed locally and freely distributed, the tabloid was guided by a mission to “give our people a voice, preserve our culture, and tell our own stories.”
Over the years, the publication gained recognition from community leaders, welfare groups, and the palace of the late monarch, Eze Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro.
Working with pioneer editor, Mazi Ben Ezuma, Dr. Okoro partnered with Nzuko Arochukwu branches to distribute the newspaper and expand its reach.
In 2005, then President-General of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, pushed for the paper’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), introducing shareholding from inception to ensure it could outlive its founders.
Nzuko Arochukwu appointed Mazi Amaechi Emma Onyema to represent the union in the newspaper’s management.
In 2006, before leaving for his doctoral studies abroad, Dr. Okoro formally donated the project to the Arochukwu Kingdom, with the original documents blessed by His Majesty, Eze Ogbonnaya Okoro, and handed to Mazi Ivi for prudent management.
By 2009, Mazi Ivi led efforts to privatize the company, inviting investors from within the community, including women and Diaspora members, to strengthen its independence and sustainability.
The years following privatization brought disputes, attempted takeovers, mismanagement, and financial strain. To keep the paper alive, some leaders, including Mazi Ivi, sold personal assets. “Some of those who nearly destroyed the company are today back, seeking to be part of it,” he said, noting that lessons learned on safeguarding the paper’s future.
In 2015 and subsequent years, Aro News updated its CAC records to maintain compliance, resisting retaliatory legal action even when false filings were made against it.
At the 2024 Annual General Meeting, the company declared its first-ever dividend, marking its transition into a sustainable, profit-making enterprise. Revenue streams now include newspaper sales, advertising, online monetization, book publishing, and other ventures.
Shareholders present at the 2024 AGM included: Mazi Emma O. Ivi, Mazi Anicho Okoro, Dr. Azubike Okoro, Barr. Joy Chiori, Mazi Fidelis Nwosu, Mazi Adindu Elekwa (representing Nzuko Arochukwu), Mazi Ijoma O. Ijoma, Mazi Ugo Okoro, and Barr. Oscar C. Okoro.
Other shareholders and stakeholders not present at the meeting included: Mrs. Eucharia Oti, Mazi Patrick Asonye, Mazi Ikechukwu Onu, Mazi Dave O. Imoko, Mazi Chinedu Oti, Mazi Orji O. Orji, Mazi Ugo Okoroafor, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Mazi Kanu Ohuche, Mazi Ben Ezuma, Nwa-Mazi Onyemaobi Anyiwor, Mazi Emma Onyema, and Mazi J.C Imoh.
Dr. Okoro serves as chairman of the editorial board, setting the paper’s factual and culturally sensitive editorial ethos. Mazi Ivi chairs the Board of Directors, credited with CAC registration, privatization, and transparency reforms.
Managing Editor Ugochukwu (Ugo) Okoro oversees editorial and production from Nigeria, maintaining an unbroken publishing record despite financial and logistical challenges — including a serious road accident in which production materials were destroyed. The paper has also defended itself in costly legal battles over published stories, winning each case.
In the United States, Desta Anyiwo manages the online portal, keeping the Diaspora connected through the platform www.aronewsonline.com.
Aro News now publishes at least three times annually during major events such as Easter, Ikeji, and Christmas, with occasional special editions.
It maintains an online news service and publishes the Aro News Book Series, a four-volume history available worldwide through Amazon and other outlets.
As it approaches its official 30th anniversary, the paper plans to increase publication frequency to quarterly, expand Diaspora partnerships, grow advertising opportunities for Aro women and youth entrepreneurs, and publish a commemorative history book
“We are not just reporting news; we are writing the history of our people,” Dr. Okoro said, emphasizing that the recent dividend payout symbolizes the viability and sustainability of Aro News as a generational legacy.
Mazi Ivi added: “So long as we live — and even after we are gone — Aro News will remain a legacy for the Aro people everywhere.”
