By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Eighty-seven students from Nasarawa State studying in tertiary institutions have been awarded scholarships by Olam Agri in Nigeria as part of its Seed for the Future (SFTF) initiative.
The initiative supports farmers and farming communities by promoting education and skill development for young people, empowering women, enhancing health and nutrition, and reducing carbon emissions in business operations.
The company noted that the educational support to indigenes of its host community was to further solidify its reputation as a leading investor in human capital development.
At the presentation of the scholarships to the beneficiaries on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Rukubi, Nasarawa State, the Head of Operations at Olam Agri in Nigeria, Brijesh Nandal, said, “We are delighted at the growing participation in our annual scholarship program.
“This reflects our deep commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education. By supporting these students, we are investing in their future and the future of Nigeria.”
Similarly, the Country Head of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Anil Nair, said, “We remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals who will contribute to the growth of our communities and the country. Our scholarship program aims to inspire students in our host communities and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations.”
Nair congratulated the recipients of this year’s scholarships and expressed confidence in their abilities, encouraging them to work hard to make their communities proud.
One of the scholarship recipients, Ms Veronica Elagbaye, praised Olam Agri for its sensitivity to the needs of students in its host community, saying the financial assistance will significantly help her meet her academic needs.
In 2023, Olam Agri also awarded scholarships to 15 students from the University of Lagos as part of its academic and economic development initiatives in Nigeria.
This scholarship programme supports farmers and farming communities by promoting education and skill development for young people, empowering women, enhancing health and nutrition, and reducing carbon emissions in business operations.
To promote broader education and skill development among young people in the host community, the business annually awards scholarships to tertiary students from Nasarawa State who meet specific academic criteria.
Since the programme’s inception in 2014, over 700 students have received financial support to pursue their academic goals.
Olam Agri in Nigeria operates 4,451 hectares of rice farm and 215K MT of rice milling facility in Rukubi, Nasarawa State.