BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH
In alignment with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s five-point agenda, focusing on security, infrastructure development, healthcare, natural resources for food sufficiency, and education, the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), which serves as the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, recently engaged with Okomu Oil Palm Company to address key investment challenges and enhance host community relations.
Key discussions at the meeting centred on land disputes, security concerns, infrastructural bottlenecks, labour challenges, and healthcare issues, all of which impact the Governor’s vision for a prosperous Edo State.
The over five-hour meeting underscored Okomu’s commitment to partnering with the state government to create a more supportive business environment that fosters economic growth.
However, the company also highlighted pressing concerns requiring urgent intervention to align with the state’s development agenda.
These include land and boundary disputes requiring attention from the Edo Geographic Information System (EdoGIS), security and infrastructure concerns, labour and community relations, regulatory matters, and healthcare and environmental issues.
The Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon. Amen Odigie, emphasised the Governor’s commitment to making Edo State a preferred investment destination, stressing the importance of collaboration with businesses to retain existing investments and attract new ones.
“His Excellency’s vision is to make Edo State economically viable in a manner that will improve the lives of all of us. We recognise the critical role businesses play in the state’s economy, which is why we are here to listen to your concerns. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us,” Odigie stated.
Dr. Graham Hefer, Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm PLC, acknowledged the government’s efforts but raised concerns, including illegal squatters occupying government-leased land and ongoing legal disputes over land ownership in Concession 2, urging state intervention.
Okomu also disclosed that it spends a staggering 4 billion naira annually on security, citing recent murders in neighbouring communities and calling for a sustained military presence to protect investments and personnel.
“We face challenges with locally sourced labour. Over 80% of our plantation workers come from neighbouring states. We have requested government assistance in recruiting local labour to boost employment and community development, but such support has yet to materialise,” Hefer noted.
On corporate social responsibility, Hefer highlighted that 29 communities benefit from Okomu’s initiatives, underscoring the company’s dedication to regional development.
To address these concerns, both parties outlined key action points aimed at supporting the Governor’s five-point agenda.
They committed to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to resolve pressing issues, ensuring a more conducive business environment and aligning with Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a prosperous Edo State.
