By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Government has distributed 50,000 coconut planting seedlings to mark this year’s World Food Day.
During the commemoration and state’s launch of the 2024/25 planting season held on Wednesday, the state government stressed that the integration of coconut value chain into the agri-food space has yielded positive results which will enhance further developments in the metropolis.
As a result of the positive developments, the state distributed the seedlings to the Rotary Club of Nigeria District 9112, for dissemination to coastal communities.
Additionally, 65 artisans were presented certificate having completed a training in coconut shell artistry and craft production through the Waste to Wealth Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Lagos Lagos State Coconut Development Authority LASCODA, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, and the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, LSSTF,.
Furthermore, 15 medium-scale coconut processors benefited from empowerment initiatives, including five of them receiving certification on Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points, HACCP training, while 10 of them were given modern processing equipment.
The state disclosed that the attainment of HACCP certification will significantly enhance the exportation of coconut products, while the 200kg per hour coconut processing equipment will substantially boost the productivity and product quality of coconut processors in the State.
