The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering sustainable community development. This commitment was highlighted by Mr. Churchill Oboh, the Acting Team Lead of the Edo State Oil Palm Program (ESOPP), during a boundary establishment event in Benin City.
Mr. Oboh emphasized the government’s strategy to build strong, positive relationships with local communities, which is essential for addressing the diverse challenges they face. The Participatory Boundary Establishment (PBE) Sign-off exercise, involving the Warrake Community and ESOPP investor Loquat Classics, is a testament to this approach.
According to him, “the participatory boundary establishment exercise is essential to meeting the requirements of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for pre-access to land activities. It allows the communities to choose representatives who will collaborate with surveyors to map and survey areas allotted to investors for oil palm cultivation projects, and the signing process serves to formalize the agreement.”
The exercise is part of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) prerequisites, ensuring community involvement in land mapping and surveying for oil palm cultivation. This process not only empowers community representatives but also documents their active participation.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the government’s initiatives, Mr. Oboh assured that women and marginalized groups will play a significant role in the community’s development. This event marks the beginning of numerous positive changes anticipated for the Warrake Community.
The Director of Agricultural Affairs, Mr. Erhunmwonsere Sunday, representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, lauded the government’s efforts, noting the employment opportunities created for community members through the exercise.
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Mustapha Orogho, Secretary of the Warrake Traditional Council, expressed the community’s support for the government’s initiatives. He assured continued collaboration aimed at driving growth and progress within the community.
This initiative reflects the Edo State Government’s resolve to not only invest in the economic potential of its local communities but also to ensure that these investments translate into tangible benefits for the people.
