By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government, through the Forestry Commission, in partnership with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), 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.
This commitment was underscored during a meeting and capacity-building training for members of the Okomu Production, Protection, and Inclusion (PPI) Compact, held recently at the Agric Hub, ADP in Benin City.
The event 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, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and community leaders.
Declaring the training open, the Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, Hon. Valentine Asuen, commended the strong collaboration among stakeholders and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to sustainable forest management and community development.
Asuen stated, “The Forestry Commission is delighted to see a strong representation of partners and stakeholders gathered here today, all united by our shared commitment to sustainable forest management, responsible production practices, and inclusive community development within the Okomu landscape,”
He described the Okomu Compact as a multi-stakeholder collaboration that demonstrates how government agencies, private actors, community representatives, and development partners can jointly address environmental and livelihood challenges.
He said, “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,”
While appreciating IDH, Okomu National Park, ANI, and other partners for their invaluable support, he added, “The sustainability of Okomu and all our forest ecosystems depends on the quality of partnerships we build and the consistency of our actions”
In his remarks, IDH forest conservation consultant, Mr Abusomwan Kingsley presented what IDH is doing in upgrading the already degraded HCV areas within the Okomu Concession. He gave a concise report of the re-forestation activity just concluded where a total of 2800 tree seedlings have been planted already.
IDH Senior Program Manager- Mr Ogwu Abraham also emphasised the need for a strong governance structure to deliver on NISCOPS key objectives of sustainable production, Forest protection and livelihood of communities within forest landscapes in Edo State
The Managing Director of TA Commodity Producers Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Festus Ebozele, also highlighted key achievements under the Okomu Smallholder Project, noting that over 5,000 farmers have been trained through the initiative.
Ebozele said, “We have been able to create significant income for farmers. Cooperatives have been formed to ensure sustainability,”
He further explained that TA Commodity supports farmers through farm maintenance services, low-interest loans at 10% per annum, and the provision of seedlings and other farm inputs.
He also noted that a beekeeping project has been introduced to restore biodiversity and boost farmers’ income.
He announced, referring to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification programme, “One of the most important milestones is that soon, Edo will have its first RSPO-certified smallholder farmers,”
The capacity-building session featured a presentation on “Leadership and Attitudinal Change” by B. S. Kadiri, a retired Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who emphasized the importance of positive personal conduct in leadership.
Kadiri said, “As a community person, your attitude must be inviting. Attitude is everything. As a cooperative leader, your attitude should be attractive, your attitude is your biggest PR,”
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by all partners to deepen collaboration and sustain ongoing efforts toward a greener, more inclusive, and economically viable Okomu landscape.