From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Voice of The Earth Initiative, VOTEI, and the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), yesterday, said the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State and its 25 hosts communities must coexist to serve each other better.
The duo made their positions known at the maiden edition of Community/Company Interactive series with the theme “Sustainable Development and Security” held in Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking, the convener and coordinator, VOTEI, Sunday Ejele, said the meeting, became necessary due to the recent developments widely reported on all media which is painting inhabitants and the company in bad relationship.
He said the protest by AT and P community against Okomu Oil Palm Company that took place on the 4th of May 22 which reportedly alleged that a trench was dug by the company on Right of Way linking residential houses, schools and religious worship places of inhabitants.
He said the protest was reported to have led to the shooting of one Mrs. Iyabo Butu.
Ejele said as a way of ensuring that the crisis did not escalate, VOTEI has waded in by placing the gun shot victim on a monthly salary of N46,000 every month which will last for a period of one year.
Ejele said since the unfortunate incident, his organization has been responsible for her treatment.
On the part of the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Olise, said the company did not employ any armed bearing personnel neither did anybody shoot at any protesters.
He said the company only dug trenches to secure its palm fruits from being stolen by thieves who always make their ways into the company to steal.
He said the company has provided social amenities to its 25 host communities including scholarships to students of the various communities.
On the part of the EDOCSO, its Interim Chairman, Austin Enabulele said there cannot be meaningful development when there is no peace and that for there to be peace, individuals must imbibe it first before radiating it to others because you can’t give what you don’t have.
Enabulele maintained that the various communities must seek for peace first in all that they do so that there can be sustainable development.
He emphasized that for there to be peace, there must be trust, equity and justice.