The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta has announced the signing of a N1.2bn partnership with Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the company’s host communities in Edo State.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by PIND on Monday.
“The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta and Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc have signed a landmark N1.2bn partnership agreement to drive peacebuilding, livelihood improvement, and inclusive development across OOPC’s host communities in Edo State,” the statement read.
It said the agreement builds on a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 and strengthened by a new project-specific deal for 2026.
According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at driving peacebuilding, improving livelihoods, and deepening inclusive growth in Okomu’s host communities as part of the firm’s long-term corporate social responsibility.
“At Okomu, we believe sustainable business must go hand in hand with shared prosperity,” the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Dr Graham Hefer, was quoted as saying.
“This partnership with PIND reinforces our commitment to peace, partnership, and the well-being of our host communities through long-term, measurable impact.”
The 2026 CSR programme, PIND said, would address development gaps identified through a joint community needs assessment.
It will focus on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, market systems development, access to finance, renewable energy, and youth skills development.
Under the plan, community dialogue platforms will be strengthened, peace monitors trained, and early warning systems established to prevent local conflicts.
About 3,000 smallholder farmers will also benefit from improved agricultural practices and better market linkages.
