The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has awarded bursaries valued at ₦150,000 each to 56 indigent students drawn from communities around its operational areas as part of its 2025 corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The agricultural firm said the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on students from low-income homes and promoting access to quality education within its host and neighbouring communities.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the company’s Communication Officer, Mr. Fidelis Olise, said the bursary scheme was conceived to support the educational aspirations of students from communities surrounding Okomu’s plantations.
He commended the company’s Managing Director, Dr. Graham Hefer, whom he described as a visionary and compassionate leader committed to 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.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Samonghan Perekeme Ernest from Okomu Community and Egbon Sonia Osasumwen from Udo Community expressed heartfelt appreciation to the company for its support. They pledged to make judicious use of the bursary funds to further their academic pursuits and make their communities proud.
The 56 beneficiaries were selected from various communities, including Owan, Ekpan, Uhiere, Irhue, Odiguetue, Odighi, Umokpe, Oke, Orhua, Madagbayo, Gbelebu, Gbole-Uba, Safarogbo, Okomu, Ofunama, Inikorogha, and Udo. They pledged to make good use of the opportunity and remain focused on their educational pursuits.
In a related development, Okomu also organized a training programme for members of its neighbouring communities aimed at strengthening company-community relations.
According to Olise, the initiative serves as a platform to enhance dialogue, collaboration and understanding between the company and its host communities.
Community representatives lauded the firm for its continuous engagement, describing the training as “the oil that keeps the wheel of partnership and progress turning.”
