By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Olam Nigeria Limited has sought the support of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to strengthen aquaculture development and expand youth empowerment opportunities in Nigeria.
The General Manager of Olam Nigeria, Mrs Morenike Alayerogun, made the request when she led a delegation of the company on a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Alayerogun disclosed that about 200 Corps Members were currently serving with Olam in various fields, stressing the company’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in nation-building, youth development and mentorship.
She said Olam had completed what she described as the biggest research and development institute for aquaculture in Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of its expansion programme, while another factory was under construction in Asaba, Delta State.
According to her, the company had also established partnerships with universities across the country to strengthen aquaculture development.
She explained that Olam planned to bring specialists from universities to Ilorin for a one-year training programme, after which the trainees would be attached to farmers across the country
Alayerogun said equipping farmers with adequate theoretical and practical knowledge would improve the productivity and sustainability of their aquaculture businesses.
She therefore requested the deployment of more Corps Members to Olam’s farm operations, particularly in Kwara State.
The Olam executive also proposed a partnership with NYSC to train more Corps Members who could subsequently receive support from the Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish their own businesses.
“We will accommodate and feed them, and after one year, we will attach them to our farmers all over the nation,” she said.
She added that Olam was ready to support the Federal Government’s agenda of growing the Nigerian economy to a one-trillion-dollar economy.
In his response, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described unemployment as a global challenge affecting young people.
Nafiu said agribusiness remained a major component of Nigeria’s economy, noting that this underscored the relevance of Olam’s agricultural activities.
He commended the company for its contributions to the Nigerian economy, particularly its efforts to empower Corps Members.
The NYSC DG also cautioned Corps Employers against the misuse and underutilization of Corps Members, urging organizations to ensure that their deployment adds value to the members’ professional and personal development.
“We want to thank you for the value addition to our Corps Members,” Nafiu said.
He disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be required to clearly define the responsibilities of both parties, stressing that the security and welfare of Corps Members remained a top priority for the NYSC.
