By Yinka Salaam
Lagos State Government has advised Nigerians to embrace and preserve the nature of their environment by planting economic trees like coconut.
The General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Agency (LASCODA), Mr Dapo Olakulehin gave the advice at the commemoration of Biodiversity Day 2024 at Ajido town, Badagry, Lagos.
LASCODA, in collaboration with the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) and Lagos Community Youth Development Initiative organised the event.
Biodiversity Day 2024 coincides with the 2024 Coconut planting season which NACOPPMAN flagged off with 100 coconut farm households.
A director in the agency, Mrs Nusirat Hammed, who represented Olakuleyin said all and sundry should preserve the environment around them.
“As the world celebrates Biodiversity Day 2024, we must take action to preserve it for future generations.
“Deliberate planting of coconut trees is a wonderful way to commemorate this Day. This is because coconut trees provide food and raw materials for industries.
“It also supports ecosystem services, offers sustainable livelihood and represents a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
“By planting coconut trees, you’re contributing to preserving biodiversity and combating climate change via forestation. It also empowers communities and protects the environment,” the GM said.
He pledged the government’s continued support through the creation of an enabling environment for posterity, citing FAO project and rehabilitation of the coastline (Green Wall) among other supports.
The guest speaker of the occasion, Alhaji Muftau Ayoade, advocated that each household in Nigeria should plant two coconut trees.
Ayoade, former National Vice President of NACOPPMAN, said all coastal communities must embark on massive coconut plantations.
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This, he said, will preserve the land and increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“We must not allow our fruits (coconut) to go extinct. Coconut may go into extinction in Badagry if care is not taken,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has abundant coconuts in the coastal areas, especially in Badagry, yet, Nigeria still imports 70 per cent of its coconut needs from Ghana.
“Hence we need to reestablish coconut in Badagry.”
Ayoade challenged Badagry residents to stop selling their land. Rather, he said they adopt the leasing method for planting, processing and marketing coconuts.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Chairman of NACOPPMAN, Alhaji AbdulSalam AbdulLateef, commended LASCODA and other coconut stakeholders for their advocacy on coconut plantations.
AbdulLateef urged the beneficiaries of the coconut distribution to “keep planting, keep adding value, keep the pace and keep the legacy alive”.
“Coconut is a tree of life. It’s a pensionable business. Do not live on past glories and do not be deceived by it.
“Our fathers planted today’s coconuts, what are we planting for our children tomorrow?
“If Akwa Ibom State is serious as they have started coconut plantation, they may soon surpass Lagos.
“Should Ghana stop selling coconut to Nigeria today, Nigeria will be in trouble. Let’s develop our coconut too for export,” the former NACCOPMAN chairman said.
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