The Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde on Community Relations (Igbo Community), Hon. Innocent Tallest, has called on the Igbo community in the state to confront the internal divisions and challenges that have hindered their progress and unity.
He made this known at the weekend during a Town Hall Meeting held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat in Ibadan, with members of the Igbo community resident in the state.
Noting that he did not aspire to be an Igbo king in Oyo State, nor wanted to be president, he added that was not his goal.
Tallest emphasised the need for cooperation and mutual support among Igbos from various states, including Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, and Rivers.
“Human beings are like that; we want to thrive on each other’s happiness, not on each other’s misery,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the current state of the community, he lamented, “Greed has poisoned our souls, barricaded us with hate, and led us into misery and bloodshed.”
He pointed out that while the world has enough resources to support everyone, the Igbo people have become trapped in cycles of greed and division.
“We have developed speed, but we have imprisoned ourselves; our abundance has left us in want,” he added,
The governor’s aide urged attendees to examine the troubling dynamics within their community, querying, “Why are we separated from each other wherever we go? We fight and hate one another, yet we respect everyone else.
He called for the need to address the internal conflicts that undermine their collective strength, expressing concern over the rising incidents of humiliation, intimidation, and hatred faced by Igbos.
“Recently, in some parts of Oyo State, I saw my people living in fear,” Tallest said.
Addressing the urgent need for unity, he posited that, “Igbos need to unite. Each and every one of you must come together.”
He called for a concerted effort to overcome the barriers that divide them, asserting that, “It is essential for us to be united in Oyo State, and we want Igbos everywhere to unite and gain recognition and leadership.”
The governor’s aide encouraged the community to put aside personal egos and focus on collective goals, stressing that, “It would be a shame if we cannot bring together the energy we have here today.”
He stressed that true change can only be initiated through collaboration, urging everyone to look at their brothers and sisters and say, “I trust you; I can do business with you.”
Tallest highlighted the critical role of forgiveness in fostering unity and progress, stating that, “One guaranteed formula for limiting your potential is unforgiveness. hate, bitterness, and revenge are luxuries none of us can afford.”
He urged community members to embrace forgiveness, explaining that it is essential for breaking free from the chains of past grievances.
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you,” he asserted, quoting Norman Cousins: “Life is an adventure in forgiveness.”
He enjoined the Igbo community to take immediate action, adding that l, “The time is now to do the right thing. Be driven by excellence as the Igbo ambassador that you are.”
Tallest reminded them that the true measure of an average Igbo person lies in “the height of their ideals, the breadth of their sympathy, the depth of their convictions, and the length of their patience.”
“If you seek greatness, forget about greatness. Forgive your enemies, make peace, and earnestly pursue what is right.”
“Only then can you find both. Success, I propose, is peace of mind, a direct result of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of being.”
He called on the community members to elevate their personal standards and to stand firm for what is right.
Ends
