The head of the Igbo community in Oyo state, high chief A.O. Obi has appreciated the good people of Oyo state for their overwhelming support and cooperation they have exhibited to Igbos in the state.

He stated this while speaking yesterday at the 2013 Igbo cultural day celebration at the liberty stadium Ibadan.

High chief Obi noted that they cannot achieve anything without a conducive atmosphere and expressed gratitude to the government and people of Oyo state for the maintenance of peace at all times.

The Igbo leader urged Ndi-Igbos in the state to remain law abiding citizens at all times and do all they can to move the state forward in a positive direction.

He noted that the major reason for the gathering is to promote the Igbo culture and to ensure that the language and culture do not die as being predicted. He therefore called on parents to teach their children the language and culture with passion as it is their identity.

High Chief obi also urged the Ndi igbos in Oyo state to participate actively in the civic process of electing leaders in Oyo state and Nigeria  at large, adding that the National conference offers them an opportunity to be part of the decision making process and contribute their quota towards nation building.

The chairman of the occasion, Engr B. N Okorie who spoke exclusively to CEOAFRICA news disclosed that the event is an avenue to showcase the culture of the Igbos and their unity even in the diaspora.

He noted that the relationship between the igbos and their host communities has been very cordial adding that the presence of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) at the event shows the level of interaction between them.

Engr. Okorie appreciated the governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the support he has been giving to the Igbo community in the state adding that they have great respect for the governor and believe he will do well.

On her part, the Yeyeluwa of Eruwaland, Chief Mrs. Tina Ogundolu who is from Imo state but married to a Yoruba man told CEOAFRICA news that the proposed Ultra modern civic centre to be sited in Ibadan by the Igbo community brings to fore the unity and love they have for Ibadanland adding that the building will be accessible not just to the Igbos alone but to the general public.

 The occasion was graced by various dignitaries and traditional rulers from within and outside the state among whom is the Olubadan of Ibadanlan Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1represented at the event by the Bale of Ekotedo Elder Taiwo Ayorinde, friends and well wishers also from within and outside the state.

The Igbo General Assembly formerly came into being on the 14^th day of July 2009 as an aftermath of the visit of five South Eastern traditional rulers led by its chairman, HRH, Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya.

Since inception till date, the assembly has helped to foster the unity among Igbos in the state as well as their host communities.