As Christmas approaches and families across the country prepare for festivities, The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has extended its tradition of goodwill by donating food items and clothing worth millions of naira to a Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy and an Home for the Needy Foundation, Ohodua IDP camp as part of its annual Christmas outreach.

The company, which has a long history of supporting communities around its operational base, visited The Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy and IDP Camp, presenting a variety of essential items aimed at easing the burden on vulnerable children and displaced families during the yuletide season. The gesture falls under Okomu’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which focuses on compassion, inclusion and community welfare.

Items donated included bags of rice, bags of beans, bags of garri, tubers of yam, cartons of noodles, semovita, beverages, biscuits, toilet rolls, Okomu Banga palm oil, and other daily staples. Clothes and shoes were also presented to complement the supplies and provide additional support to the centres.

Speaking during the presentations of the items, Okomu’s Communication Officer, Mr. Fidelis Olise, said the company views Christmas as a season of reflection, generosity, and shared humanity. “As a company, we are glad to be doing this,” he said. “Christmas is a time to show love, spread joy, and demonstrate the values that epitomize Christ, who is the reason for the season. Providing these items is our way of ensuring that these children celebrate Christmas in a joyful and dignified way. No one should be left behind.” And that the Okomu Company has a philosophy of compassion

“Okomu always wants to see that everyone enjoys the best possible life”. “This outreach underscores our belief in community support and shared humanity. We want these children and families to feel remembered, especially at a time when many are facing hardship.”

At Roseluyi Eceptional Students Academy, the children received the items with visible excitement. The Director of the school, Mrs. Resemary Isaac-Aluyi, described the donation as timely and impactful to assist the students at the school

“This is an uncommon gesture from Okomu, and it will go a very long way,” she said. “Raising these children requires resources that are not always available. Support like this helps us provide food, stability and the basic comforts every child deserves.”

A similar scene played out at the IDP camp, where displaced families sang songs of appreciation to the company. Pastor Evelyn Omigie who received the items on behalf of the centre said the intervention brought hope at a time many residents were feeling forgotten. 

“To us, Okomu is like an angel sent by God to celebrate Christmas with us in an uncommon way,” they said. “This gesture shows that people still care about our wellbeing. ”For many of the recipients, the outreach provided not only material relief but emotional reassurance – reflecting the importance of community solidarity during festive seasons.

Okomu’s Christmas outreach has grown over the years into a widely anticipated annual event, supporting hundreds of households across nearby communities. The company said it plans to sustain and expand the initiative as part of its commitment to strengthening community relations and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.

As the festive season draws near, the gesture stands as a reminder of the true essence of Christmas – love, hope and kindness extended to those who need it most.