Members of the civil society, community leaders/representatives and other stakeholders have identified mutual relationship between companies and host communities as the panacea to sustainable development and lasting solution to insecurity.
This was the position taken at the maiden edition of a one-day community stakeholders meeting held at Udo, Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State with the theme: “Sustainable Development and Security.”
In his welcome address, convener of the event and coordinator, Voice of the Earth Initiative (VOTI), Chief Sunday Ajele, said the meeting was organised to ensure that companies especially Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and its host communities live harmoniously without any report of infringement by the communities and the company.
He said his organisation was worried with the series of reports of attacks, stealing, etc on Okomu Oil Company and the reports of harassment, invasion and evacuation of communities by the company, hence the programme to enlighten both parties.
He said: “This meeting has become very necessary due to the recent developments widely reported on all media which is painting inhabitants and companies in bad relationship.”
“The protest by AT and P community against Okomu Oil company, that took place on the 4th of May 2022 which was reportedly alleged that a trench was dug by Okomu Oil Palm Plantation Company on right of way linking residential houses, schools and religious worship places of inhabitants, which unfortunately led to the shooting of one Mrs Iyabo Butu, if not for the mercy of God, she would have been dead.
“We also do not have permanent enemies but we do have permanent interest. We believe that, living in harmony and respect for all forms of life, human, animals, trees, birds, reptiles and microbes is essential to human happiness, therefore a human right.”
On his part, the chief responsibility officer, Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr Jude Obasanmi, urged communities and Okomu Oil Company to work toward building an expected long-term engagement to derive the greatest impact.
Obasanmi, who was represented by Dr Bright Oniovokukor posited: “On the part of the company, the management must do all within its power to show benevolence and not exploit the community just to maximize profit considering that the day the community discovers this, they accumulated profit cannot compensate for the consequences.
Speaking on the theme the interim chairman, Edo Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Austin Enabulele, said there cannot be meaningful development when there is no peace, adding that to achieve peace, individuals must imbibe it first before radiating it to others. He maintained that the various communities must seek for peace first in all that they do so that there can be sustainable development.
Representatives of Iyase of Udo community, Friday Araghagha, who happens to be the community chairman, said his community and the company have been having mutual relationship with no rancour.
