Igbos are stakeholders in Oyo’s growth — Makinde’s aide

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations (Igbo Community) and Chairman of the State Igbo Peace Committee, Tallest Innocent

The Igbo community in Oyo State has commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s inclusive approach to governance, describing itself as an integral stakeholder in the state’s future and calling for greater political participation, unity and sustained engagement with the government ahead of future elections.

The position was articulated by Tallest Innocent, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations (Igbo Community) and Chairman of the State Igbo Peace Committee, during the 2026 Igbo Day and New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) celebration held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Addressing community leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, government officials and members of the Allied Peoples Movement, Innocent described the annual celebration as more than a cultural festival, saying it reflected the Igbo people’s identity, resilience, enterprise and contribution to Oyo’s development.

He said the Igbo community had continued to play a significant role in commerce, transportation, education, agriculture, hospitality, real estate and other sectors of the state’s economy, emphasising that Igbos were not merely residents but active stakeholders in Oyo’s growth and prosperity.

“We are Igbo by heritage, Nigerians by nationality and proud stakeholders in the development of Oyo,” he declared.

Innocent expressed appreciation to the governor for creating avenues for the Igbo community to participate in governance, particularly through the establishment of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Community Relations (Igbo Community).

“The appointment demonstrates the administration’s commitment to inclusion and sends a strong message that belonging, participation and contribution should never be determined by ethnic background or place of origin.”

While acknowledging the administration’s efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic development, he urged the government to sustain and deepen its engagement with the Igbo community through increased representation, greater access to empowerment programmes, stronger collaboration with investors and continued support for peaceful community relations.

The SSA also highlighted the growing political significance of the Igbo community in Oyo State, noting that its members were spread across all 33 local government areas and remained deeply invested in the stability and prosperity of the state.

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Ahead of future elections, he urged members of the community to remain peaceful, politically informed and actively involved in democratic processes, insisting that “political participation must be guided by issues, performance, inclusiveness and developmental priorities.”

Speaking on his role as Chairman of the State Igbo Peace Committee, Innocent emphasised the need for unity among Ndi-Igbo, warning that “internal disputes and divisions could weaken the community’s collective voice and influence.

“Our greatest strength is not merely our population, businesses or political connections. Our greatest strength is our unity,” he said.

He commended elders, traditional rulers and stakeholders who had contributed to ongoing reconciliation efforts and urged community members to place collective interests above personal ambitions.

Innocent also appreciated the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups in Oyo for fostering an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and mutual respect, stressing that cultural diversity should strengthen rather than divide society.

Addressing young people and women, he called for greater involvement in leadership, community development, education, entrepreneurship and responsible political participation, noting that no community could achieve sustainable progress without their active contributions.

The celebration featured cultural displays and activities marking the New Yam Festival, one of the most important events in the Igbo cultural calendar.

The event ended with a renewed commitment by the Igbo community to peaceful coexistence, inclusive governance and collaboration with all stakeholders in the pursuit of a more prosperous Oyo.

In a symbolic closing message, participants echoed the popular Igbo proverb, “Igwe bụ ike” (Unity is strength), reaffirming their commitment to peace, unity and shared progress.