RELIEF materials worth millions of naira have been donated to the victims of the
November 18th 2022 fire disaster in Owan community, Ovia North East Local
Government Area by the management of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC.
The fire incident occurred when a tanker carrying petroleum products fell in the
community and went into flame destroying shops and buildings.
The items presented include 100 Bags of Cement, 2 bags of 4 inches nails, 3 bags of 3
inches nails, one bag of 1.5 inches nails, 30 bundles of Zinc, 10 Iron doors, 70 pieces
of ceiling board, and 165 pieces of different sizes of wood.
Presenting the relief materials to the Odionwere of the community, the Managing
Director, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, Dr. Graham Hefer said the gesture was in
fulfillment of management’s promise to come to the aid of the victims of the fire
disaster.
Represented by the community liaison officer (CLO) in its extension 2 plantation, Mr.
Bashiru Kadiri, Dr. Hefer said Okomu believes in good neighbor relations and are
happy to assist her neighboring communities when the need arises
He said “I wish to on behalf of the management of Okomu present these building
materials to assist the victims of the fire incident. During our last visit in December,
Group Photograph by Okomu team with some of the victims of the fire disaster
we promised to assist victims of the fire disaster and this is the fulfillment of that
promise”.
“We hope that this gesture from us will be accepted by the community as our little
way of helping to cushion the effect of the fire on the victim and help them get back to
their feet”.
The Okomu MD urged the leadership of the community to ensure that everyone
affected by the fire incident benefit from the materials while praying that such
disaster will not be experienced again in the community.
Receiving the items on behalf of the victims, the Odionwere of the Owan community,
Chief Michael Ifiabor thanked the management of Okomu Oil palm company for the
gesture adding this has shown the company’s interest in the growth and development
of its neighboring communities.
He further stated that they never expected this kind of love and support from any
private company especially when it was Okomu response to their distress call that
aided the putting out the fire, stressing that this has further endeared the company in
the heart of the people and will strengthen the relationship between the company and
members of the community.
According to chief Ifiabor, “We were surprised when the materials arrived at our
community because this was the least, we were expecting, I will make sure that the
victims get the materials according to their needs and that is why I decided that they
should be kept in a place where I can monitor them and know what is happening to
them”.
Some of the victims, including Mrs. Udaya Juliet, Mrs. Elere Aina, and Friday Ileso
while appreciating the Okomu management for the gesture said that since the incident
happened, they have been squatting with neighbors they prayed that God should
bless and protect the company.
“We appreciate Okomu for the relief materials they brought, God will continue to
bless and enrich you and your company as you have shown this gesture to us and you
will receive double measures for what you have brought for us and we will have more
love and commitment towards you and your company”.
It would be recalled that the fire incident which would have caused a major disaster in
the community was averted by men of the Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC fire
service unit.
