Abudu, Edo State – A critical high-level stakeholders’ meeting was convened on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, to tackle brewing tensions over land acquisition between Obozogbe Niro, Ugboko Niro Communities, and Presco Plc. The gathering, held at the Council’s Administrative Headquarters in Abudu, also included representatives from relevant government agencies and was described as cordial, frank, and constructive.

According to Chief Press Secretary to The Executive Chairman, Dennis Ugbudian, the meeting aimed to address issues related to land acquisition, business operations, and community relations concerning a proposed agricultural project by Presco Plc within parts of Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Hon. Osagie emphasized that the engagement became necessary following concerns raised by the host communities in a statement on a letter previously issued by Presco Plc, indicating the company had acquired hectares of land through the Edo State Government during the past administration. He noted that the matter had lingered due to inadequate consultation and required urgent dialogue to prevent further tension and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Key stakeholders from Obozogbe Niro Community included 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. Officials from the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (EDSOPP), Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon and Mr. Oseriemen Inegbedion, were also present.

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 revealed that while an initial engagement had taken place, subsequent follow-up meetings and essential land studies were stalled due to lack of access. Mr. Adaramoye highlighted that Presco Plc had conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and required further studies, including participatory land demarcation, to determine the exact land size within each community. He stressed that the purpose of the engagement was to foster collaboration, clarify concerns, and achieve a win-win outcome for all parties, adding that prolonged delays were increasing operational costs for the company.

In response from Obozogbe Niro Community, Mr. Amas Oghoghogiare stated that their 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 awaited clarity from the present administration. Similarly, Mr. Roland Abusonwan of Ugboko Niro Community reiterated that the land remained a critical source of livelihood for the people and emphasized the need for the Governor to clearly state his position on the matter.

Hon. Thompson Osagie intervened, stressing the importance of dialogue, transparency, and community inclusion in land-related matters. He acknowledged past lapses in stakeholder engagement that contributed to the current 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 a lasting resolution. He appealed to the communities to remain open to dialogue and assured them of the government’s commitment to protecting their interests. He also proposed the creation of a broader stakeholders’ forum involving all relevant parties to harmonize positions and chart a sustainable path forward.

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.

Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon of EDSOPP 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. The press release was signed by Dennis Ugbudian.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

The approval, disclosed on February 25, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reinforces the administration’s commitment to accelerating industrial development, promoting domestic value addition, and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the statement, the extension is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local processing capacity, improving livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and boosting export earnings through value-added products rather than raw commodity sales.

To ensure effective implementation, President Tinubu has directed the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework. The framework is expected to harmonise industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities along the shea nut value chain.

The President also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and ordered the withdrawal of all existing waivers that permitted the direct export of raw shea nuts.

Under the new directive, any surplus raw shea nuts must be exported strictly through the NCX framework and in line with approved guidelines.

In addition, President Tinubu instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at expanding production and processing capacity in the shea sector.

Shea nuts, harvested from the shea tree commonly found across Nigeria’s Savanna belt, serve as the primary raw material for shea butter. The butter is widely valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is used extensively in cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in edible cooking oil production. Processed shea butter commands between 10 and 20 times the market value of raw nuts.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote inclusive growth, strengthen local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s plan to introduce state police as a measure to address the persistent security challenges plaguing the nation. He made this known during an interfaith iftar dinner with state governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, an event that also marked the observance of Ramadan and Lent.

Speaking to the governors, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that every promise he made during his campaign would be honored. He encouraged the governors to step up efforts aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens, especially those in underserved areas.

“Tonight, I shared an interfaith iftar with our state governors as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians go through Lent,” Tinubu said. “This sacred period, observed by two of Nigeria’s major faiths, reminds us that we are not just political actors but a people guided by conscience.”

While applauding the governors for their humanitarian gestures during the season, the President urged them to go further. “We must reach the young man who feels abandoned. We must support the woman carrying heavy burdens for her family. We must touch lives in grassroots communities where hope is dim. Development must not be divided by religion. Compassion must not be limited by tribe. Opportunity must not be defined by status.”

Tinubu expressed confidence in the nation’s future, stating, “I am fully committed to rescuing this country. If we unite in our efforts to deliver hope, Nigeria’s best days remain ahead.”

The President also stressed the critical role of security in national progress. “The promises I made will not be delayed. Security is the bedrock upon which prosperity is built. Without it, farming suffers, businesses struggle, and families cannot rest easily.”

He confirmed that the creation of state police would go ahead, describing it as a necessary step for grassroots safety. “State police will be established to combat insecurity. This is not a political move but a practical one. It is about giving states the means to protect their citizens while maintaining a strong national structure.”

Tinubu called for courage and unity in pursuing reforms. “We must have the courage to fix what is broken. We must stand together to safeguard what matters. Nigeria will become safer. Nigeria will grow stronger. We must all commit to making this a reality.”