In its bid to proffering a lasting solution to the frequent clash between host communities and Okomu Oil Company, protest by host communities, etc, a non-Governmental Organisation – Voice of the Earth Initiative (VOTI), Monday, organised a one day Community Stakeholders meeting at Udo, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The programme, with the theme: Sustainable Development and Security, was held with the view to encouraging a mutual relationship between the company and the host communities.

The programme which attracted members of the civil society organisation, community leaders/representatives and other stakeholders was held in partnership with Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO).

In his welcome address, convener the the meeting and Coordinator, VOTI, Chief Sunday Ajele, said the meeting becomes necessary due to the series of reports of attacks, stealing, etc on Okomu Oil Company and the reports of harassment, invasion and evacuation of communities by the company.

While noting that the programme was aimed at enlightening both parties (company and host communities), he added that it was also organised to ensure that companies especially Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and its host communities live harmoniously without any report of infringement.

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He said: “This meeting has become very necessary due to the recent developments widely reported on all media which is painting inhabitants and companies in bad relationship.

A cross section of participants at the Okomu Oil Company/communities stakeholders meeting.

“The protest by ATandP community against Okomu Oil company, that took place on the 4th of May 2022 which was reportedly alleged that a trench was dug by Okomu Oil Palm Plantation Company on right of way linking residential houses, schools and religious worship places of inhabitants, which unfortunately led to the shooting of one Mrs Iyabo Butu, if not for the mercy of God, she would have been dead. (Sic)

“We also do not have permanent enemies but we do have, PERMANENT INTEREST. We believe that, living in harmony and respect for all forms of life, human, animals, trees, birds, reptiles and microbes is essential to human happiness, therefore a Human Right.”

The Coordinator, who disclosed that the meeting was the maiden edition, vowed that his organisation would not rest untill a mutual relationship is achieved between Okomu Oil Company and host communities.

Speaking on the theme: Sustainable Development and Security”, the Interim Chairman, Edo Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Austin Enabulele, said there cannot be meaningful development when there is no peace, adding to achieve peace, individuals must imbibe it first before radiating it to others.

Enabulele maintained that the various communities must seek for peace first in all that they do so that there can be sustainable development.

He emphasized that for there to be peace, there must be trust, equity and justice.

On his part, Chief Responsibility Officer, Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, urged communities and Okomu Oil Company to work toward building an expected long-term engagement to drive the greatest impact.

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Obasanmi, who was represented by Dr. Bright Oniovokukor posited: “On the part of the company, the management must do all within power to show benevolence and not exploit the community just to maximize profit considering that the day the community discovers this, they accumulated profit cannot compensate for the consequences.

“Community/company relationship has mutual responsibility an benefits hence all must parties must play their roles accordingly. Parties should consult and seek clarification where necessary.”

On his part, Fidelis Olise, Public Relations Officer, Okomu Oil Company, said his company was taking all preventive measures to secure farms, hence the seemingly infringement and complaints from communities.

A cross section of participants at the stakeholders meeting.

Representatives of Iyase of Udo community, Friday Araghagha, who happens to be the community chairman, said his community and the company have been having mutual relationship with no rancor

But Mrs. Helen Dise, from Agbede community accused Okomu Oil Company of evacuating her community for its farm, adding that the river they used for fishing has been polluted.

Ebiye Jonghan from A/T and P community decried the maltreatment they suffered from the company, lamenting that they have been all tagged criminals in the community, stressing that the land Belongs to them hence they should be treated in that regards.