Okomu Oil tasks host communities on transparency, others

Offers scholarship to students
Managing Director, Okomu Oil Palm Company, Dr. Graham Hefer has harped on the need for effective communication and information dissemination between the firm and its host communities for efficiency and transparency in its operations and overall interest of all stakeholders.

He emphasised that vital information dissemination among the company and host communities would encourage development, promote quality assessment and transparency for all stakeholders.

Also, the company has offered scholarship to 30 indigent students from its host communities as well as presented certificate to some rural dwellers who have undergone training in skills acquisition sponsored by it.

Hefer while opening a workshop convened by the company tagged, “Introduction to RSPO and sustainability goals of Okomu Oil Palm Company to neighbouring communities,” organised for the hosts said the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was aimed at ensuring friendly partnership, effective communication and information sharing at all levels in the various neighbouring communities.

Hefer stressed that information sharing among its stakeholders particularly her neighbouring communities is critical to boosting working relationship with communities and ensuring transparency in the company’s RSPO.

“It is to ensure we have communication at all levels with community from different backgrounds and different areas to ensure transparency. It is critical that you communicate within yourselves to inform members of your communities of what we are doing to uplift the communities and their members. These are important things for okomu oil palm,” Hefer said.

Delivering the RSPO workshop lecture, Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Expert, Okomu Oil Palm, Jimoh Ajibade stressed the need for stakeholders engagement and grievance management.

Jimoh identified commitment to transparency, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity as well as commitment to long-term economic and financial viability as basic principles and criteria for RSPO.

He added that others principles and criteria for RSPO includes, use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers, environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, as well as a responsible consideration of employees and individuals and communities affected by growers and millers.

The workshop which had large turnout of participants drawn from across neighbouring communities in attendance, also dwelt on the skills acquisition for indigent host community members.