Fan Milk Plc, a leading dairy company in Nigeria, has signed a strategic partnership with Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited to promote dairy farming expansion and local sourcing of milk in the country. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards improving domestic milk production and reducing reliance on imports.
Increased Milk Production and Local Sourcing
The partnership focuses on establishing a dairy farm in Iseyin, Oyo State. The farm is projected to yield 300 heifers within the first year, with an ambitious target of doubling that number by the end of 2026. To jumpstart the initiative, Fan Milk will import 100 pregnant heifers from Egypt.
Beyond Milk Production: Training, Community Engagement, and Empowerment
The agreement extends beyond mere milk production. Fan Milk Plc will play a crucial role in knowledge transfer by providing training and technical capacity building for the farm’s personnel. This commitment to empowering local communities aligns with both companies’ social responsibility goals. The partnership aims to foster positive relationships with residents and address social concerns in the surrounding areas.
Quotes Highlighting the Significance of the Partnership
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of Obasanjo Farms Limited, emphasized the importance of the partnership in driving domestic dairy farm expansion and local sourcing initiatives. He highlighted the role of training programs in empowering local communities, increasing productivity, and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Hervé Barrere, CEO of Danone Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the partnership’s potential to promote local sourcing of raw materials, empower local farmers, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
Olusegun Ariyo, Project Manager at Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, expressed his delight in collaborating with Fan Milk Plc, acknowledging the significance of the partnership in achieving ambitions for Nigerian dairy production.
Kayode Adebiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Fan Milk PLC, commented on the strategic partnership’s potential to leverage the strengths of both companies. By working together, they aim to improve local milk production, reduce reliance on imports, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Alignment with Government Priorities
This partnership aligns with several key priorities of the Nigerian government’s 8-point agenda, including ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and ultimately alleviating poverty.
Building on Existing Initiatives
The collaboration with Obasanjo Farms marks a significant milestone for Fan Milk Plc’s commitment to forward integration. This follows the successful launch of their model dairy farm in Odeda, Ogun State, and the establishment of the Odeda Dairy Training Institute in 2022, which focuses on training local dairy farmers.
