Olam Nigeria Seeks NYSC Partnership To Boost Aquaculture Development

The General Manager of Olam Nigeria Limited, Mrs Morenike Alayerogun, has led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, seeking a strategic partnership to strengthen aquaculture development and promote youth empowerment across the country.

According to a statement from the NYSC on Tuesday, Alayerogun disclosed that approximately 200 Corps Members are currently serving with Olam in various fields. She emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives in nation-building, youth development, and mentorship for Corps Members.

As part of its ongoing expansion drive, Olam has completed what was described as the largest research and development institute for aquaculture in Ilorin, Kwara State, and is currently constructing another factory in Asaba, Delta State. The company has also established extensive partnerships with universities across Nigeria to bring academic specialists to the Ilorin institute for a one-year training program, after which they will be attached to farmers nationwide.

Alayerogun noted that equipping farmers with theoretical and practical knowledge would boost the productivity and sustainability of their aquaculture operations. To support these initiatives and contribute to the Federal Government’s goal of expanding the economy to one trillion dollars, she requested the deployment of additional Corps Members, particularly to support farm operations in Kwara State.

Pledging full welfare support for the deployed participants, Alayerogun stated, “We will accommodate and feed them, and after one year, we will attach them to our farmers all over the nation”. She further proposed a collaborative training initiative with the NYSC where participating Corps Members could subsequently access support from the Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish their own enterprises.

In response, NYSC Director General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu acknowledged unemployment as a global challenge impacting young people and underscored the critical role of agribusiness in the Nigerian economy. He commended Olam for its economic contributions and dedication to empowering youth, while noting that NYSC management strictly opposes the misuse and underutilization of Corps Members by employers.

Expressing appreciation for the organization’s ongoing support, the Director General stated, “We want to thank you for the value addition to our Corps Members”.

Nafiu disclosed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be required to define the specific responsibilities of both entities, reiterating that the scheme prioritises the security and welfare of all Corps Members.