The Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of Obozogbe Niro Community, Ugboko Niro Community, Presco Plc, and relevant government agencies at the Council’s Administrative Headquarters in Abudu.
The meeting, which was described as cordial, frank, and constructive, was aimed at addressing issues bordering on land acquisition, business operations, and community relations in connection with a proposed agricultural project by Presco Plc within parts of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Hon. Osagie explained that the engagement became necessary following concerns raised by the host communities over a letter earlier issued by Presco Plc, indicating that the company had acquired hectares of land through the Edo State Government during the previous administration. According to him, the matter had lingered due to inadequate consultation and required urgent dialogue to forestall further tension and ensure peaceful coexistence.
Stakeholders in attendance from Obozogbe Niro Community were Pa Alex Uhunmwangho, Mr. Mathew Ogbebor, Mr. Amas Oghoghogiare, and Mr. Osagie Emwinghare. Representing Ugboko Niro Community were Mr Peter Ogbeiwi, Mr. Felix Iyamu, Richard Erinmwingbovo, and Roland Abusomwan. The Presco Plc delegation comprised Mr. Charles Onwuasoanya, Mr. Israel Adaramoye, and Mrs. Omolara Ezra. Also present were officials of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (EDSOPP), including Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon and Mr. Oseriemen Inegbedion.
Speaking on behalf of Presco Plc, Mr. Israel Adaramoye stated that the company had acquired approximately 10,000 hectares of land from the Edo State Government for an oil palm development project spanning about ten communities, including Obozogbe Niro and Ugboko Niro. He noted that although an initial engagement was held with the communities, subsequent follow-up meetings and essential land studies had been stalled due to lack of access to the land. He emphasized that Presco Plc had already conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and required further studies, including participatory land demarcation, to determine the exact land size within each community. According to him, the purpose of the engagement was to foster collaboration, clarify concerns, and achieve a win-win outcome for the communities, the company, and the government, adding that prolonged delays were increasing operational costs for the company.
Responding on behalf of Obozogbe Niro Community, Mr. Amas Oghoghogiare stated that the delegation was mandated by community elders to listen and report back. He recalled assurances given by the current Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, during his electioneering campaign, regarding the return of the land for community use, and affirmed that the community was awaiting clarity from the present administration.
Similarly, Mr. Roland Abusonwan of Ugboko Niro Community reiterated that the land in question remained a critical source of livelihood for the people and stressed the need for the Governor to clearly state his position on the matter.
In his intervention, Hon. Thompson Osagie emphasized the importance of dialogue, transparency, and community inclusion in land-related matters. He acknowledged that lapses in stakeholder engagement in the past had contributed to the present challenges and urged all parties to focus on peaceful and lawful resolution. He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his people-centred leadership and commitment to grassroots development, citing recent investments in rural infrastructure across Edo State as evidence of the administration’s development agenda.
As a way forward, Hon. Osagie advised Presco Plc to formally engage the Edo State Government through appropriate channels, noting that government adjudication would provide clarity and lasting resolution. He appealed to the communities to remain open to dialogue and assured them of government’s commitment to protecting their interests. He further proposed the creation of a broader stakeholders’ forum, involving all relevant parties, to harmonize positions and chart a sustainable path forward.
Also speaking, Mr. Charles Onwuasoanya of Presco Plc reaffirmed that the company would not proceed with any activity without community consent and appealed for permission to carry out non-intrusive preliminary studies, assuring that culturally significant sites would be respected and protected. However, Hon. Osagie advised caution, noting that such activities could be misinterpreted at the community level. He disclosed plans to engage the Deputy Governor, Ministry of Agriculture, EDSOPP, and Ministry of Local Government, with a formal briefing to the Governor for a comprehensive and coordinated response.
From EDSOPP, Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon outlined the agency’s mandate in supervising oil palm projects in the interest of host communities, investors, and government, highlighting its role in conflict resolution and community engagement across the state.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Thompson Osagie stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, education, and stakeholder sensitization, particularly by relevant agencies, to prevent misunderstandings in large-scale agricultural investments. He reaffirmed that development must be pursued responsibly, with respect for ancestral land rights and livelihoods.
The Chairman thanked all delegates for their maturity, patience, and commitment to peace, urging them to relay the discussions to their respective constituencies as consultations continue.
