Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
Olam Nigerian Limited is seeking a partnership with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to boost aquaculture development and promote youth empowerment in the country.
NYSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on Tuesday stated that Olam’s General Manager, 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 the organisation in various fields, adding that Olam is committed to supporting the federal government’s efforts in nation-building, youth development, and corps members’ mentorship.
According to the statement, Alayerogun requested the deployment of more corps members to strengthen Olam’s farm operations, particularly in Kwara State.
“We will accommodate and feed them, and after one year, we will attach them to our farmers all over the nation,” the statement quoted Alayerogun to have said.
The Olam general manager further proposed a partnership with NYSC to train more corps members who could subsequently be supported by Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish their own businesses.
In his remarks, Director-General of NYSC Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said unemployment was a global challenge affecting young people.
Nafiu stated that agribusiness was a major component of the Nigerian economy, saying this underscores the relevance of Olam’s agricultural activities.
He commended Olam for its contributions to the Nigerian economy, particularly its efforts to empower corps members.
He said the NYSC management frowned on the misuse and underutilisation of corps members, and urged corpers’ employers to continue to add value to members deployed to their organisations.
“We want to thank you for the value addition to our corps members,” Nafiu said.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be required to define the responsibilities of both parties, stressing that the scheme considers the security and welfare of corps members a top priority.