Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has awarded bursaries worth N150,000 each to 56 indigent students from communities surrounding its operations in Edo State.
At the presentation ceremony on Friday, the company’s Communication Officer, Mr. Fidelis Olise, said the gesture was part of Okomu’s 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The bursaries, totaling N8.4 million, aim to ease the financial burden on students from low-income families and promote access to quality education in the company’s host and neighbouring communities.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to giving back and ensuring that students from our neighbouring communities can pursue education without placing undue financial strain on their parents or guardians,” Olise said.
He attributed the company’s ongoing social impact to the vision of its Managing Director, Dr. Graham Hefer, describing him as a leader dedicated to uplifting communities through sustainable initiatives.
Two beneficiaries, Samonghan Perekeme Ernest from Okomu and Egbon Sonia Osasumwen from Udo, expressed gratitude for the bursaries, pledging to use the funds wisely and make their communities proud.
The 56 recipients were drawn from communities including Owan, Ekpan, Uhiere, Irhue, Odiguetue, Odighi, Umokpe, Oke, Orhua, Madagbayo, Gbelebu, Gbole-Uba, Safarogbo, Okomu, Ofunama, Inikorogha, and Udo.
In a related initiative, Okomu also held a community relations training to strengthen dialogue and 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.”
