Maintain peaceful coexistence, Igbo leader urges indigenes in Ondo

THE Igbo descendants in Ondo State have been urged to maintain peaceful coexistence with their host communities across the state in order to contribute to the development of the state.

The leader of the Igbo community in the state, Chief Gregory Iloehika, who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the annual yam festival of the Igbo in the state, stressed the need for the people to speak with one voice, calling on them to use the occasion to unite themselves and to exhibit patriotism.

He said the yearly gathering is an exhibition of culture and tradition of the Igbo, saying “this will afford the new generations who are far from homes to understand our culture so as to remain connected and to be proud of where they come from.”

He described the new yam festival  as veritable platform for Igbo people living within the state to interact with one another.

He charged the people to always give priority to the welfare of their kinsmen around them.

He called on the Igbo indigenes to continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of their area, urging them to exercise their political right wisely in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Iloehika urged the Igbos in the state to embrace peace and be law abiding before, during and after the election, adding that development exists in a peaceful environment.

In his remarks, the leader of the Igbo from Akwa Ibom State, Dr Cyril  Ezeumeakuka appealed to Igbo resident in Ondo State to always respect the culture and tradition of their immediate environment.

He said:  “Our business are thriving because of the good relationship between us and our host communities, and I believe we will always build on this relationship to improve the economic development of the state.”