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

Detailed summary

An aide to Governor Seyi Makinde says the Igbo community are stakeholders in Oyo’s growth, commending the governor’s inclusive approach to governance. Read More:…

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…

The…

Opening of the article, excerpted from Punch. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.