In line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s five-point agenda, focusing on security, infrastructure development, healthcare, natural resources to achieve food sufficiency and education, the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), which is the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat and Okomu Oil Palm Company recently met to address pressing challenges hindering investment and operational efficiency in the region, while also fostering improved relations with Host Communities.
Key discussions at the meeting centered on land disputes, security concerns, infrastructural bottlenecks, labour issues, healthcare challenges among others, all of which directly impact the Governor’s vision for a prosperous Edo State.
The meeting, lasting over five hours, highlighted Okomu’s commitment to collaborating with the Edo State Government to foster a more supportive business environment in order to achieve economic prosperity.
However, the company also voiced significant concerns that require urgent attention to ensure the State’s development aligns with the Governor’s agenda. These include: Land and boundary issues, which require the attention of the Edo Geographic Information System (EdoGIS), security and infrastructure, labour and community relations, regulatory, healthcare and environmental concerns.
The Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon Amen Odigie noted that the Governor’s vision is to make Edo State a preferred investment destination for investors thereby achieving economic prosperity, and in doing that, it is important that ESIPO collaborates with the business community to not only retain already existing investments but also attract new investments into the State.
According to him, “His Excellency’s vision is to make Edo State economically viable in a manner that will improve the lives of all of us, and we understand the vital role your businesses play in the economy of this State. So, we are here to listen to your concerns. Your feedbacks are extremely important to us”.
The Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm PLC, Dr. Graham Hefer appreciated the Government for its efforts but raised some issues which include the presence of illegal squatters on Government Land leased to them and ongoing legal battles over land ownership in concession 2, urging the Government to intervene.
Okomu also revealed that they spend a staggering 4 billion naira annually on security measures, citing recent murders in neighboring communities and called for a sustained military presence to protect investments and personnel.
He noted: “We have issue with locally sourced labour. Over 80% of our plantation workers are coming from neighboring states. We have requested assistance even from government in recruiting local labour in boosting local employment and community development. But this is not available here”.
On their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, the MD said that twenty nine communities were beneficiaries, showcasing their commitment to the region’s well-being.
To address the challenges raised, several action items were discussed, all aimed at supporting the Governor’s five-point agenda with a commitment from both parties to maintain ongoing dialogue and collaboration to resolve these pressing issues, ensuring a more conducive business environment in Edo State and aligning with Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a prosperous and developed region.
