Members of the Igbo community in Oyo State have once again been urged to embrace peace and unity to establish a foundation that will foster sustainable development for their community within and beyond the state.
Sir Kinze Okonkwo, Chief Executive Officer, UcheKinze Nigeria Limited, Iwo Road, Ibadan, and a senior member of the peace committee gave the urge on Friday at an extraordinary reconciliatory town hall meeting of the Igbos held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament, Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.
According to Sir Kinze.Okonkwo, the peace meeting aimed at reconciling warring factions within the Igbo community in the state was essential to resolve the longstanding conflicts within the Igbo community in Oyo State.
“Unity is essential for growth and stability,” he stated. “I believe that the Igbo community in Oyo State can create an environment of peace and cooperation, which will not only bolster their prosperity but also strengthen their relationship with the Yoruba community around them.”
He continued, “It pains me to see divisions among my people. I envision a united Igbo community that can serve as a model of peace and progress for the entire South and East, for Nigeria as a whole, and for generations to come.”
Sir Kinze Okonkwo expressed joy at seeing both elders and factions gathered to reconcile and unite as a stronger Igbo community in Oyo State. He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment that has supported the Igbo community’s efforts toward peace.
“It is a joy to witness positive change within the Igbo community here,” he said. “We came from the East and settled in this hospitable land of the West, where we live peacefully alongside our Yoruba brothers and sisters. But for true strength, we must also foster peace within ourselves. Without unity, we are like dry branches scattered in the wind—weak and easily broken.”
He further expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and engagement at the peace meeting. “As a member of the peace committee, I am glad to see our efforts bearing fruit. This progress will undoubtedly help us live harmoniously as a community in Oyo State.”
Sir Kinze Okonkwo reaffirmed that peace and harmony among the Igbos in Oyo State had always been his dream, stating that this vision of unity would serve as a beacon for others to emulate.
He also commended Chief Tallest Innocent, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Community Relations, for organizing the peace and unity meeting.
Sir Kinze Okonkwo encouraged the Igbos to interact with open hearts and minds, building a legacy of peace, unity, and shared prosperity that future generations can admire and follow.
