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Okomu Oil Company, Host Communities Impasse: Stakeholders Sue For Peace

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2022

Editor

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.

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.

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.

Related Topics:Okomu Oil Company Voice of the Earth Initiative

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News

JUST IN: NCC Suspends Issuance Of Virtual Operators Licence, Two Others

Published

32 mins ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

The Nigerian Communication Commission has announced a temporary suspension of new licence issuance to operators in three categories.

The categories are Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, Interconnect Exchange Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence.

A virtual operator is a company that does not own a mobile spectrum licence but sells mobile services under its brand name using the network of a licensed mobile operator. Currently, there are at least 25 operators.

The Interconnect Exchange Licence is a network facility that enables the interconnection of more than two independent connecting entities to facilitate the transfer of electronic communications.

While VAS aggregators are non‐core network telecommunication services which are beyond standard voice calls.

These services include internet, directory service, paging service, voice mail and prepaid calling card service, call centre services, content services, and vehicle tracking.

The NCC said the suspension is in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant, renew licenses and promote fair competition.

The commission, in a public notice posted on its X handle on Friday, said the temporary suspension is to enable a thorough review of several key areas of market saturation, competition level and current market dynamics.

The notice titled, “Temporary Suspension Of The Issuance Of Communications Licences In Three Categories” was signed by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Muoka.

The notice read, “In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant and renew licenses, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (The Commissions) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licenses in the following categories, Interconnect Exchange License, Mobile Virtual Network Operator License and Value Added Service Aggregator License.

“This temporary suspension is necessary to enable the commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.”

It, however, noted that the new directive doesn’t affect pending applications which would be considered based on merit.

“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new applications for the aforementioned licenses will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission which will be considered on its merits.

“Any enquiries of clarification in respect of this Suspension Notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng,” the statement read.

In recent times, the telecommunications sector has been faced with a myriad of issues raising concerns about sustainability and efficient service delivery amid ongoing economic challenges.

Record high inflation has reduced purchasing power and a currency devaluation has cut margins.

These challenges are exacerbated by the issue of multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive right-of-way charges, inadequate electric power supply, and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

News

Bauchi Commissioner Gifts 3 Students Cash For Prompt Resumption, Ability To Read

Published

9 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

The Bauchi state Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Dahiru, on Thursday, gave a cash gift of N5,000 each to three Senior Secondary II students of Government Science Secondary School, Misau for their determination to succeed in Education.

Two of the students, Adamu Adamu, Mustapha and Haruna impressed the commissioner for their presence in school in the first day of resumption while Abdullahi Musa marvelled her for his reading ability and comprehension.

According to the commissioner, the gesture was to appreciate their determination to learn as well and motivate other students to emulate them.

While paying a courtesy visit to the Emir of Misau, Alh. Ahmed Sulaiman, the commissioner disclosed that the Bauchi State government was working with stakeholders from the Misau Emirate to fine-tune modalities of temporarily accommodating the students of Federal Science Technical College, Misau at its Science Secondary School Misau.

She said the college made the request in a letter to the ministry stating that the facility given to them could no longer accommodate their students population, hence the resolve to convene the stakeholders meeting to fine-tune ways of sharing the facility for the betterment of the state.

She disclosed that government science secondary school Misau, one of the best in the state in terms of befitting facilities has the capacity to accommodate up to five thousand students, but currently houses about three hundred students.

She appreciated the Emir for his continued support to programmes and policies of the government with more emphasis on the education sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Emir and other stakeholders, a retired Director with the Ministry, Muhammad Musa, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for the honour and promised to assemble critical stakeholders from the emirate so as to arrive at an acceptable decision for the benefit of all and sundry.

News

NDIC Obtains Order To Wind Down 96 Microfinance, Mortgage Banks

Published

9 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has said that it has obtained Winding up Orders for 96 out of 183 microfinance and primary mortgage banks whose licenses were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria in May 2023.

The Managing Director, NDIC, Bello Hassa, revealed this at a sensitisation seminar for Judges of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday organised by the NDIC, to enlighten the judiciary on the intricacies of the banking industry.

Hassan said, “As at date, the Corporation had obtained Winding up Orders for 96 out of 183 Micro Finance and Primary Mortgage Banks whose licenses were revoked by the CBN in May 2023, in less than one Year of revocation.”

He added that the NDIC was committed to fulfilling its mandate of protecting depositors through bank supervision, failure resolution and liquidation so as to boost confidence in the financial system.

Speaking on the role that the judiciary plays in the fulfillment of the mandate, Hassan said, “We recognise the judiciary as one of our critical stakeholders. With this, when cases are brought before them, they can receive accelerated hearing and proclamation of Justice.”

Citing some of the achievements from previous editions of the seminar, Hassan said that instances where liquidation-related litigations experienced delays were reduced.