BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH
BENIN CITY: The Edo State Government, through its Forestry Commission, in collaboration with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) of the Netherlands, Okomu National Park and TA Commodity Producers Company Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable production and forest conservation within the Okomu landscape.
The renewed pledge was made at a meeting and capacity-building session for members of the Okomu Production, Protection and Inclusion (PPI) Compact, held at the Agric Hub of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Benin City.
The forum brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector and local communities, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edo State One Stop Investment Centre (ES-OSIC) under ESIPO, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), smallholder farmers, cooperatives and community leaders.
Declaring the session open, Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, Hon. Valentine Asuen, commended the collaboration among stakeholders and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to sustainable forest management and community development.
“The Forestry Commission is delighted to see partners united by our shared commitment to sustainable forest management, responsible production practices and inclusive community development within the Okomu landscape,” Asuen said.
He described the Okomu Compact as a model of multi-stakeholder collaboration that demonstrates how government agencies, private actors, communities and development partners can jointly address environmental and livelihood challenges.
“Our focus remains clear, to ensure that the Okomu landscape continues to serve as both an ecological treasure and a socio-economic pillar of sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
While appreciating IDH, Okomu National Park, ANI and other partners for their support, he said, “The sustainability of Okomu and all our forest ecosystems depends on the quality of partnerships we build and the consistency of our actions.”
IDH Forest Conservation Consultant, Mr. Abusomwan Kingsley, gave an update on efforts to restore degraded areas within the Okomu concession, noting that 2,800 tree seedlings had already been planted.
Similarly, IDH Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Ogwu Abraham, called for the establishment of a strong governance framework to achieve NISCOPS’ key objectives of sustainable production, forest protection and improved livelihoods in forest communities.
The Managing Director of TA Commodity Producers Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Festus Ebozele, highlighted achievements under the Okomu Smallholder Project, noting that over 5,000 farmers have been trained through the initiative.
“We have created significant income opportunities for farmers. Cooperatives have been formed to ensure sustainability,” Ebozele said, adding that the firm provides farm maintenance services, low-interest loans at 10 per cent per annum, and seedlings.
He further disclosed that a beekeeping project had been introduced to restore biodiversity and increase farmers’ income, announcing that Edo would soon have its first Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)-certified smallholder farmers.
A retired Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bashiru Kadiri, delivered a paper on “Leadership and Attitudinal Change,” emphasising that leaders must cultivate positive attitudes to inspire their communities.
“As a community person, your attitude must be inviting. Attitude is everything. Your attitude is your biggest PR,” he said.
The event ended with a renewed pledge by all stakeholders to deepen collaboration for a greener, more inclusive and economically vibrant Okomu landscape