The Oyo State Government and the umbrella body of the Igbo-speaking community, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, have stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups in the state.
This was stated at the inauguration of the Oyo State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo over the weekend in Ibadan.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in his remarks, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to all ethnic groups represented in the state.
He noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration would continue to support every ethnic group in the state to ensure unity and development.
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Ogundoyin emphasised that the government would also embrace all other ethnic groups willing to contribute to the state’s development, adding that Oyo State has a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“Today is for the Ndigbo, that is why we are talking about them. In other ceremonies by other ethnic groups, you will equally see the Oyo State Government well represented, ensuring unity among those ethnic groups.
“We are happy to work with everybody who brings development to Oyo State. As you know, Oyo State is a state that accommodates all, and we call on people from neighboring areas who can bring value to the state to come in.
“We have a very conducive and thriving environment for businesses, and as the Oyo State Government, we will continue to ensure that businesses thrive,” he added.
Earlier in his address, the President of the Oyo State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Umeh, pledged his commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence with the indigenous people of Oyo State and other tribes to foster development.
He emphasized that he would use his office to promote unity among various ethnic groups and their hosts to achieve a peaceful and prosperous environment.
“It shouldn’t be only unity among the indigenes; it should be unity among the Igbo people, the indigenes—our hosts—and other ethnic groups in Oyo State.
“If you look at Nigeria today, there are many ethnic crises and various forms of unrest in different parts of the country.
“But by the grace of God, with the platform we will receive from our amiable Governor, Seyi Makinde, we believe we will synergize and work with him to foster harmony with the indigenes of Oyo State and other ethnic groups in the state.”
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