Migrant farmers who voluntarily relocated from Okomu Oil Palm's Extension One concession in Ovia Southwest LGA of Edo State are now beneficiaries of varying sums of money to re-establish their livelihoods.
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The farmers used to occupy three camps namely; Sunday Camp, Olomu Camp and Oluwo Camp. At the final disengagement ceremony held on Tuesday, 13 August 2013, the company disbursed a total sum of N11.5 million to the 140 farmers involved. Depending on their holdings, the farmers collected a once off ex-gratia payment varying from N30, 000 to N260, 000.
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The ceremony was observed by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture; Hon. Abdul Oroh as well as other government representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Land and Survey. The farmers had encroached on the company's land and planted crops like cocoa, cassava, and plantains.
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According to the Managing Director of the company, Dr Graham Hefer, the company had served the farmers a final notice to harvest their crops.
Farming is just something we have to work on in this country cos Agriculture is very much important nowadays. I hope our leaders see to this!