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Irish Independent
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as Arklow celebrates its cultural diversity at Africa Day festivities
Beginning with an opening speech from Cllr Peir Leonard, followed by a brief history of Africa Day and a prayer by Pastor Solomon Aroboto, the joyous day featured a variety of activities for all to enjoy, from the amazing Tony Byrne and his drum voices, to Fionn Ó Conchúir, the host with the most as Gaeilge, the No Wahala Dance Crew and more. Delighted to have hosted what was the second Africa Day celebration held in Arklow, following on from an indoor event in 2019, an organiser thanked everyone in attendance and those who contributed to the hugely successful day. 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed, came and made the day great,' they said. 'A special thanks to Cllr Peir Leonard for her support throughout, Pastor Solomon for the opening speech and presentation of the history of Africa Day and Arklow Municipal District for the space. 'Thanks to An Garda Síochána for making sure everything went smoothly and enjoyable for all, the management of the Royal Hotel for the extra support and space provided and all participants who represented their countries and traditions and engaged with the public. 'A big thanks to Ciste Spreagtha for the funding provided, Rachel of the Colour Club for face painting the young ones and, last but not least, the organising committee for making this great day happen.'
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Meet the Nigerian pastor bringing his Wicklow parish a fresh vision of religion
Solomon Aroboto tells David Medcalf how a Nigerian came to combine Irish town planning with leading a lively Christian congregation Wicklow People 'Aroboto - it's an old Irish name,'' says Pastor Solomon mischievously, recognising that his surname in fact signals a background far from the Arklow he now calls home. His voice too retains the rhythms of Africa, though he has spent half his lifetime in Ireland. The leader of the Arklow Christian Community Church has an Irish wife and two Irish children, while his work as a town planner has given him an intimate knowledge of the county where he resides and preaches. 'I am originally from Nigeria – the most populous black nation in the world,' he confirms with quiet pride. Twenty-five million of the 227 million Nigerians living in the country are crammed into Lagos, the tumultuous city where Solomon grew up. He describes it as massive, boisterous, and always hot, densely packed with people and a place where anything can happen. The future pastor was raised as one of a dozen siblings who enjoyed the fellowship of a host of cousins. Though the setting was urban, the atmosphere around the Aroboto home was that of a village, a community where everyone looked out for each other.
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow church comes alive as renown band performs memorable concert
Enchanting the large congregation, the historic local band played several seasonal favourites before meeting attendees and sharing an exceptional spread of refreshments and food. Thanking the talented band members for adding so much to the occasion, pastor Solomon Aroboto presented band conductor Stephen Smith with a generous donation. 'It was just a pleasure to play at the church again after our performance last Christmas,' Stephen said. 'This was our first Easter one. We played about six tunes, and then they laid out some lovely food for everyone. The band enjoyed it, and we look forward to playing there again. 'The place was packed, and we met some very nice people who really appreciated us being there. They were so welcoming and, all in all, it was just a very uplifting and enjoyable morning. 'A big thanks to pastor Solomon and the church for their generous donation. It is very much appreciated by the band.' Thanking Stephen and the band for their exceptional performance, as well as all those who made the special Sunday service possible, pastor Aroboto said: 'We had a wonderful morning full of joy and community spirit. 'The silver band helped make it extra special, and we were delighted to be able to show our appreciation to them. We hope to have them back at the church again very soon.'
