Tunde Bakare
The General Manager, Olam Nigeria Limited, Mrs Morenike Alayerogun, has sought the support of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to strengthen aquaculture development and promote youth empowerment in the country.
Alayerogun made the request when she led a delegation of the company on a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
She disclosed that about 200 Corps Members were currently serving with the organisation in various fields, adding that Olam was committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in nation-building, youth development, and Corps Members’ mentorship.
The General Manager stated that, as part of its expansion drive, Olam had completed what she described as the biggest research and development institute for aquaculture in Ilorin, Kwara State, and was currently constructing another factory in Asaba, Delta State.
She further disclosed that the company had established extensive partnerships with universities across the country to strengthen aquaculture development.
According to her, the company planned to bring specialists from universities to Ilorin for a one-year training programme, after which they would be attached to farmers across the country.
She said providing farmers with adequate theoretical and practical knowledge would enhance the productivity and sustainability of their aquaculture businesses.
Alayerogun therefore requested the deployment of more Corps Members to strengthen Olam’s farm operations, particularly in Kwara State.
She added that Olam was ready to support the Federal Government’s agenda of growing the economy to a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“We will accommodate and feed them, and after one year, we will attach them to our farmers all over the nation,” she said.
She further proposed a partnership with NYSC to train more Corps Members who could subsequently be supported by the Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish their own businesses.
In his remarks, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said unemployment was a global challenge affecting young people.
He noted that agribusiness remained a major component of the Nigerian economy, adding that this further underscored the relevance of Olam’s agricultural activities.
Nafiu commended Olam for its contributions to the Nigerian economy, particularly its efforts to empower Corps Members.
He said NYSC Management frowned at the misuse and underutilisation of Corps Members and urged Corps Employers to continue to add value to the Corps Members deployed to their organisations.
“We want to thank you for the value addition to our Corps Members,” the Director General stated.
Nafiu disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be required to define the responsibilities of both parties, stressing that the Scheme considered the security and welfare of Corps Members a top priority.