By Faridat Salifu
The Consul-General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Nigeria, Michel Deelen, has commended Okomu Oil Palm Company in recognition of its sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
The Dutch diplomat made the commendation during his visit to the firm’s facilities in Edo State.
Accompanied by a delegation of Dutch officials and representatives from IDH, a Netherlands governmental initiative, Deelen highlighted the company’s collaborative efforts with smallholder farmers in the region.
Deelen emphasized the significance of Okomu’s innovative partnership model that integrates smallholder farmers into its supply chain.
He described this collaboration as a benchmark for sustainable agriculture, underscoring its potential to improve the livelihoods of local farmers without contributing to deforestation.
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“This partnership is a shining example of how agriculture can be done in a sustainable way. The positive feedback we received from the farmers we spoke with today is strong evidence that this collaboration is yielding meaningful impacts.
“The Netherlands is dedicated to supporting Nigerian agricultural enterprises that emphasize sustainability, and Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC embodies this commitment,” he declared.
Responding, the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company, Dr. Graham Hefer, expressed pride in the firm’s dedication to sustainable practices.
Hefer reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operational transparency and environmental responsibility, citing their various certifications that reinforce their sustainability.
President of the Smallholder Farmers Association, Chief Johnson Oni, also praised Okomu oil and IDH for their transformative smallholder scheme.
“Thanks to this initiative, farmers now have reliable market access for our products, coupled with essential training, subsidized seedlings, and fair pricing structures, We strongly advocate for the continuation of this beneficial partnership,” Oni said.
