By Tony Ogbebor
The Edo State Government and the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) have been commended by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for the progress in sustainable Oil Palm development in the State.
The recommendation was delivered by a delegate from the RSPO, led by the Senior Manager of the RSPO Global IMO (Independent Smallholder Organization) Programme, Mr. Tri Budiono. He applauded the Edo State Government’s commitments through ESOPP in championing sustainable oil palm development in line with the RSPO’s principles and promoting sustainability, inclusiveness, and long-term impact.
Mr. Budiono stated that his visit included reviewing the RSPO Community Outreach Programme implemented in the State between year 2022 and 2024; evaluating the Programme’s impact; identifying gaps; and exploring strategies to enhance its outcomes.
The General Manager, Edo State Oil Palm Programme Independent Implementation Office, Mr. Churchill Oboh, appreciated Mr. Budiono for his visit and stated that the accomplishments and progress made so far in sustainable Oil Palm development in Edo State are a clear testimonial of the State Government’s determination and commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through strategic policies, partnerships, and support at every level.
During Mr. Budiono’s engagement with the ESOPP Team, strategic plans and key operational guidelines were discussed; showcasing the depth and effectiveness of the Programme. The ESOPP Team provided insights into its impact in fostering responsible oil palm development whilst protecting community rights, ensuring environmental protection, and transparency. Potential areas for collaboration were discussed as well as efforts to implement the RSPO Jurisdictional Approach in Edo State as practiced in Ecuador and Serbia; with the goal to drive sustainable transformation across the oil palm sector in the State.
Mr. Oboh highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Edo state Government to drive sustainable agriculture and food security to include increased budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector in the current year’s Budget, which reflects bold commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening institutions, and scaling up productivity across the State. Others are the initiatives of fostering agribusiness and improving the investment climate; thereby unlocking new opportunities along the agriculture value chain; attracting local and international partners.
He also emphasized the impact of the newly launched “Back to Farm” Campaign, describing it as an innovative grassroot initiative that is reigniting youth interest in agriculture. He asserted that through targeted support, training, and provision of inputs, the Campaign is effectively addressing rural unemployment while contributing meaningfully to food security across the State.
At the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Peter Osagie, represented by the Director of Agric Services, Mr. Dave Ogunbor, assured Mr. Budiono and the ESOPP Team of the Ministry’s commitment to support the initiative of the RSPO and to promote sustainable agricultural practice in Edo State.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with stakeholders like RSPO to sustain the momentum of positive change already underway in the State, to consolidate progress, and to scale up sustainable practices across the sector.
Mr. Budiono appreciated the Ministry of Agriculture and the ESOPP Team for the warm reception. He acknowledged the significant progress made and the existing structures that support and promote sustainable agriculture in the State. He assured that in light of the developments, there would be more opportunities for collaboration between RSPO and the Edo State Government.
