Fan Milk PLC, has announced a strategic partnership with a farm operated by Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, aimed at advancing dairy farming expansion and promoting local sourcing in Nigeria.The farm, situated in Iseyin, Oyo State, is expected to produce 300 heifers within the first year of project and it is expected that the farm would double that figure by end of December 2026 while Fan Milk will be importing 100 pregnant heifers from Egypt. Fan Milk Plc would off-take the fresh milk produced according to the terms of the 5-year partnership agreement and would also provide training and technical capacity building for the personnel.The collaboration is expected to lead to the creation of employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Both companies are committed to engaging with local communities to foster positive relationships, address social concerns, and promote responsible corporate citizenship.Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman of Obasanjo Farms Limited expressed excitement over the partnership. His words:“We are excited to partner with Fan Milk PLC to drive forward dairy farm expansion and local sourcing initiatives. By investing in training and capacity-building programs for local farmers, we will empower communities, enhance productivity, and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”In his own words, Mr. Herve Barrere, the General Manager of Danone Sub-Saharan Africa stated that “the partnership emphasizes the importance of sourcing raw materials locally, empowering local farmers, improving their livelihoods, and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector”.This partnership marks a significant milestone in Fan Milk PLC’s commitment to backward integration, following the successful launch of its model dairy farm in Odeda Ogun state and training for local dairy farmers in the Odeda Dairy Training Institute in 2022. It also aligns with some of the current government administration’s 8-point agenda, including ensuring food security, promoting economic growth and job creation, and ending poverty.Speaking on the Partnership, Dr. Olusegun Ariyo, the Project Lead for Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited stated “We are very pleased to be partnering with Fan Milk PLC (A Danone Company) on this remarkable journey. This is no doubt important towards achieving the ambitions we have for the Nigerian dairy industry, and both Companies are taking steps towards a more efficient and economically sustainable environment for dairy farming in Nigeria.Mr. Kayode Adebiyi, Managing Director of Fan Milk PLC stated, while commenting on the development said “the strategic partnership between Fan Milk PLC and Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited is designed to leverage the strengths of both companies to enhance local dairy production, reduce import dependency, and foster sustainable agricultural practices”.Olakunle Olusanya, Director, Legal Public Affairs, and General Secretary, stated that this partnership was strategic for the ompany and a testament to Fan Milk PLC’s commitment to fostering sustainable dairy development, increasing local food security and improving the business ecosystem in Nigeria. (THISDAY)

•Global Chief Operations Officer, Danone, Mr. Vikram Agarwal (left); former President and Chairman of Obasanjo Farms Limited, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Managing Director of Fan Milk Plc, Mr. Kayode Adebiyi, and Director, Legal and Public Affairs/General Secretary, Fan Milk Plc, Olakunle Olusanya, at the signing ceremony between Fan Milk- Danone and Obasanjo Farms….recently.

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