Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has awarded bursaries worth N150,000 each to 56 indigent students from communities surrounding its operational areas in Edo.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Friday, Mr Fidelis Olise, the company’s Communication Officer, said the gesture was part of its 2025 corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The bursaries, totalling N8.4 million, he said, were to ease the financial burden on students from low-income families and promote access to quality education across the company’s host and neighbouring communities.
According to him, the bursary scheme underscores Okomu’s long-standing commitment to human capital development and community empowerment.
“This initiative reflects our company’s commitment to giving back and ensuring that students from our neighbouring communities have the opportunity to pursue education without undue financial strain on their parents or guardians,” Olise said.
The communication officer attributed the company’s continuous social impact to the vision of its Managing Director, Dr Graham Hefer, whom he described as a leader deeply committed to uplifting communities through sustainable initiatives.
Two of the beneficiaries, Samonghan Perekeme Ernest from Okomu and Egbon Sonia Osasumwen from Udo, expressed gratitude to the company for the scholarship, pledging to use the funds wisely and make their communities proud.
The 56 beneficiaries were drawn from Owan, Ekpan, Uhiere, Irhue, Odiguetue, Odighi, Umokpe, Oke, Orhua, Madagbayo, Gbelebu, Gbole-Uba, Safarogbo, Okomu, Ofunama, Inikorogha, and Udo communities.
In a related development, Okomu oil palm company also held a community relations training to foster dialogue and strengthen partnerships with neighbouring communities.
Olise said the engagement was designed to “enhance collaboration and mutual understanding,” while community representatives described the initiative as “the oil that keeps the wheel of partnership and progress turning.”
