“I vividly recall where I was when Uzoejiagaaro spoke to me about Altars.
Pause.
“What type of name is such a mouthful?”
Please come with me.
Uzo. Eji. Aga. Aro. [The road to Aro. Where Aro is short for Arochukwu a local government in Nigeria].
Arochukwu is the third largest city in Abia state. Initially inhabited by the Ibibios. it would later become a territory for the colonial imperialists. The Ibibios, are a riverine tribe from the coasts of Akwa-Ibom – a neighbouring state to Abia. And thanks to their proximity to the Coast, they were exposed to civilization as all Coastal areas are.
Therefore, between the Ibibios and the imperialists, Arochuku boasted of Economic development which included an Ashpalt-paved road.
Back then, a tarred road was a rarity. It meant a smooth and easy journey for you if you were travelling to and fro Aro -no speed-breakers, potholes, bumps or delay.
Thus, names like Uzoejiagaaro, *Uzoejiabaliaga, **Uzodinma and other forms of Uzo became popular names which connotated a prayer for an easier ride through Life.
Subsequently, the next time you hear Uzoaru, Uzoma, Uzodi etcetera, you now get the picture.
*Uzo. Eji. Abali. Aga. = the road you travel at night because it is so smooth you have no worries
**Uzo. Di. Nma. = A good road.
Now, back to where I was when Uzoaru called.
I was on my way home from Banana Island to Magodo after a full day’s job.
I had crossed Alapere and veered in to buy fuel at that Service Station just before the Apostolic Faith Campground at Ojota. As I drove out of the Station, my phone rang.
By the Anglican Church at Ikosi Junction, I turned in.
and parked in front of the Zenith billboard. Yes, the conversation was that captivating. Besides, with police presence only few metres ahead, I felt safe from the dangers of the infamous robbers on that Ojota bridge…..click here
