16/05/2026
ESOPP Lauches Cohort 2 of its Manpower Development Programme
The Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) in collaboration with Presco Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Company, has launched the second cohort of its Manpower Development Programme aimed at equipping young indigenes of Edo State with practical skills and technical knowledge for employment opportunities within the oil palm sector.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, and was attended by the management of the institution, representatives of partner oil palm companies, government officials, staff, and trainees.
The Manpower Development Programme is an initiative of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme designed to train youths selected from communities where ESOPP investors currently operate, with successful participants to be considered for placements within various oil palm plantations across the state.
A total of 100 trainees drawn from ESOPP project communities within Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas, were selected for the second cohort and will undergo an intensive six-month training programme at no cost. Trainees will equally be given stipends for the duration of the training programme. Successful participants will be offered employment in different oil palm companies within the state upon completion of the programme.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Provost of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Andrew Osaigbovo Omosefe; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rebecca Osedebamen Bamaiyi; the General Manager of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, Mr. Churchill Oboh; representatives of Presco Oil Palm Company and Okomu Oil Palm Company; as well as staff and trainees participating in the programme.
In his remarks, the Provost, Dr. Omosefe, commended the Edo State Oil Palm Programme and the partnering oil palm companies for their commitment to funding and implementing the initiative, which has led to the remarkable success of the first cohort and the successful commencement of the second cohort.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the SHINE Agenda of the Edo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly in advancing investment in agriculture and human capital development.
He further urged the trainees to uphold discipline, pursue excellence, and demonstrate the highest level of commitment throughout the training programme, emphasizing the need to ensure that the investments made in their training and empowerment translate into meaningful and lasting results.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Bamaiyi described the initiative as “an investment in people, in skills, and in the future of Edo State’s agricultural economy.” According to her, the programme will provide participants with practical knowledge, technical competence, and meaningful employment pathways within Nigeria’s oil palm industry.
She also commended the Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment to agricultural growth, manpower development, and the revitalization of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, Mr. Churchill Oboh, highlighted the successes recorded from the first cohort and encouraged participants in the second cohort to make the most of the opportunity.
He noted that the training programme was carefully designed in line with industry best practices to provide participants with relevant technical skills and knowledge required within the oil palm sector.
Mr. Oboh assured the trainees that they were in capable hands and urged them to remain dedicated throughout the duration of the programme.
The Director, Siat Academy, Mr. Reinout Impens, who spoke on behalf of Presco Plc, provided an overview of the programme structure and outlined the expectations for the trainees. He encouraged the trainees to give their very best throughout the programme in order to maximize the opportunities provided through the initiative and become productive members of society with sustainable means of livelihood.
The launch of the second cohort of the Manpower Development Programme further underscores ESOPP’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and sustainable economic growth within Edo State’s oil palm sector. Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to create employment opportunities, strengthen local participation in the industry, and contribute meaningfully to the long-term development of communities and the state’s agricultural economy.
