A palm oil company based in Edo State has committed 1.2 billion naira toward programs designed to strengthen peace efforts and economic opportunities for residents living near its operations. Okomu Oil Palm Company signed the corporate responsibility deal with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, targeting five development priorities identified through assessments conducted with local populations.
The 2026 program will fund conflict prevention systems, agricultural improvements for 3,000 small farmers, financial training for entrepreneurs, and a vocational school preparing 60 young people for tailoring jobs. A solar electricity project will power schools and medical facilities in selected villages. Graham Hefer, who manages the palm oil firm, said on Monday that profitable business operations should create benefits for surrounding areas.
Sam Ogbemi Daibo leads the foundation and characterized the arrangement as an example of how corporations can advance regional stability while pursuing commercial success. Both organizations will oversee spending through a joint steering committee, monitoring transparency and gender participation. The agreement extends a three-year memorandum signed in 2024 and aims to establish standards for responsible private sector engagement across oil-producing regions.
The 2026 program will fund conflict prevention systems, agricultural improvements for 3,000 small farmers, financial training for entrepreneurs, and a vocational school preparing 60 young people for tailoring jobs. A solar electricity project will power schools and medical facilities in selected villages. Graham Hefer, who manages the palm oil firm, said on Monday that profitable business operations should create benefits for surrounding areas.
Sam Ogbemi Daibo leads the foundation and characterized the arrangement as an example of how corporations can advance regional stability while pursuing commercial success. Both organizations will oversee spending through a joint steering committee, monitoring transparency and gender participation. The agreement extends a three-year memorandum signed in 2024 and aims to establish standards for responsible private sector engagement across oil-producing regions.
