Naija people, make you gather here! Okomu Oil Palm Company just dey shine light for Edo State as dem hold training wey go change di game for their host communities. Di company don partner with PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta) to run dis big N1.2 billion program wey focus on peacebuilding and livelihoods.
According to beta information wey dem release, dis training na to fit gree committee members with di new framework wey go help dem implement wetin dem dey plan. Dem dey aim to strengthen peace, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable development for communities around where Okomu dey operate.
Mr. Fidelis Olise, di Communication Officer of Okomu, run am clear say dis training na serious matter as dem don shift di focus of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) from just building infrastructure to actually helping people grow skills and better their lives. He yan, “If una fit work together with us, e go benefit everybody, no be just small group.”
E no stop for there o! Olise also talk say the communities na di engine wey go make Okomu run better, and as such, dem programs go dey emphasize long-term impact wey go last well after dem finalise di training. He encourage di participants to take wahala-free knowledge back to their people, dey advise them to share wetin dem learn with elders, women, and youths everywhere for dia communities.
Mr. Misan Edema-Sillo, wey be di Economic Development Manager for PIND, come add his own voice say both organizations dey serious about inclusive development and peaceful coexistence. He explain say dis partnership na to equip di communities with all di correct tools, knowledge, and support wey go help dem drive sustainable change. “E go sweet to see progress wey dey come from dis pilot phase,” he reassure dem.
Plus, Mr. Billy Ghansah, di Smallholder and Compliance Manager for Okomu, don talk say dem plan to empower farmers wit finance, support, and market links. Di first phase go focus on three crops: oil palm, cassava, and rubber. He promise say as di program dey move, dem go fit add more crops wey suit di specific needs of each community. “We dey start with dis three, but we go dey grow,” Ghansah talk.
Di participants dey jolly for di training as dem dey learn important topics like peacebuilding, market systems, and even youth employment pathways. Resource persons wey sabi their work come lead sessions wey dem mix with technical presentations and interactive discussions. Di community members wey participate come express how dem appreciate di initiative, say e don open their eyes to plenty opportunities wey dey available.
People like Mark Ehikioya, John Enadeghe, Sese Alexandar, Irabor Evelyn, and Amadin Alile wey come from different communities dey very happy say dem get chance to learn firsthand. Dem talk say di timing dey perfect as e dey tackle issues like youth employment and access to finance. Dem say “Thank you” to Okomu and PIND for involving di community in planning and executing dis whole program.
Dis training na just di beginning, and e go help strengthen di Joint Implementation Committee wey dey work with all di stakeholders as de partnership dey roll out more plans wey go foster peace, economic inclusion, and sustainable development for Edo State. Na so e be, my people!
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