Photo Caption: Chief Daniel Agagha from Ofunama community wearing white cap (middle) flanked by Pa Omozusi of Odighi community (Left) with other Participants at the Okomu Oil Company TrainingMembers of communities neighbouring Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc from Ovia North East, Ovia South West, and Uhunmwonde local government areas have identified leadership decentralization, seeking a third party to resolve their misunderstandings, and rotating leadership in the communities as some of the remedy to the recurring crises being experienced by most communities in the state. This was the outcome of training organized by management of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc for members of its neighbouring communities as part of its deliberate attempt to boost its relationship with them. In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc., Dr. Graham Hefer said the company recognizes the importance of harmonious existence between the company and its neighbouring communities and that concerted efforts have been made towards ensuring that both party continues to compliment each other in their advancement.Represented by the Human Resource Manager, Mr. IK Osunbor, Dr. Graham urged the representatives of the communities present to take lessons from the training in running the daily affairs of their communities.In a lecture titled truthful dialogue for peaceful co-existence and development of communities, guest lecturer and executive director Greenyouth Environmental Sustainability Network, Mr. Monday Kalu said peaceful co-existence is important for any community because it promotes social stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.He noted that diverse opportunities exist for both the organization and communities to achieving their goal of sustainability and understanding.Also, the communication officer, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, Mr. Fidelis Olise while discussing the foundation of crisis with the representatives of the communities on an interactive session identified ineffective or contested leadership structures, disputes over the duration and legitimacy of leadership, conflicts regarding territorial or jurisdictional boundaries are some of the issues leading to crisis in the some of the communities.On the proposed solutions, the participants at the training agreed that the solution to the challenges include adaptation of rotational leadership to ensure equitable representation and prevent prolonged tenures, engaging impartial mediators to resolve disputes fairly, uphold respect for established boundaries to avoid territorial conflicts and fostering inclusive communication by providing platforms for all voices to be heard.It was also agreed that promoting fairness and diversity in leadership roles to prevent domination, and distribution of authority to reduce centralized control and encourage broader participation are others actions needed to be embarked upon by members of these communities. For Chief Daniel Agagha from Ofunama community and Benard Osifo from Ekpan community the training is apt considering the brewing leadership crisis experienced in most communities in the state.They appreciated management of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC for regularly organizing these trainings which is geared towards empowering members of its neighbouring communities in its quest for development.Other representatives from the communities expressed appreciation to management of Okomu for the initiative and recognizing the company’s investments in people, not just infrastructure alone. As part of its commitment to strengthening community relations and fostering grassroots development, management of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC usually organize bi-annual community training for members of its over 29 communities drawn from Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Uhunmwonde local government areas.
