Cynthia Ezegwu
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc have signed a N1.2bn partnership agreement to promote peacebuilding, improve livelihoods, and foster inclusive development in the company’s host communities in Edo State.
PIND disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the deal as a landmark collaboration aimed at deepening corporate social responsibility and sustainable development under Okomu Oil’s 2026 CSR framework.
According to the statement, the initiative builds on a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 and has been strengthened by a new project-specific agreement to be implemented in 2026.
Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Dr. Graham Hefer, said the partnership underscores the company’s belief that sustainable business practices must align with shared community prosperity.
“This partnership with PIND reinforces our commitment to peace, partnership, and the well-being of our host communities through long-term, measurable impact,” Hefer said.
PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, described the partnership as a model for collaboration between the private sector and development organisations to strengthen community resilience.
“Together with Okomu, we are not only delivering social investment but building local capacity, peace, and self-reliance — the real foundations of resilience,” Daibo stated.
Under the initiative, the 2026 programme will focus on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, access to finance, renewable energy, market systems development, and youth empowerment.
About 3,000 smallholder farmers are expected to benefit from improved agricultural practices and enhanced market access, while a loan guarantee scheme and financial literacy training will support small and medium-scale businesses.
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The project will also establish community dialogue platforms, train peace monitors, and deploy early warning systems to prevent local conflicts.
In addition, a pilot solar mini-grid will be installed to power schools and health centres, while a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre will train 60 youths in tailoring and the production of protective coveralls for Okomu’s operations.
A joint steering committee comprising representatives of PIND and Okomu Oil will oversee the implementation to ensure transparency, accountability, and gender inclusion.
Okomu Oil, one of Nigeria’s leading agribusiness companies, reported a profit after tax of N60.33bn for the nine months ended September 2025, up 113 per cent from the same period in 2024.