COCONUT VALUE CHAIN: INFORMATION MINISTRY PARTNERS LASCODA

The Ministry of Information and Strategy has said it is ready to throw its weight behind the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) in its quest to have more civil servants and Lagosians seize the myriads of opportunities in the Coconut Value chain of the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, who stated this when he hosted the Management Team of the Coconut regulating authority recently, adding that the Ministry will give the advocacy campaign of LASCODA the needed impetus

The General Manager of LASCODA, Mr. Dapo Olakulehin, while urging civil servants, retirees and entire Lagos residents to capitalise on the huge opportunities embedded in the coconut value chain, disclosed that coconut is important to Lagosians and the Lagos economy.

According to him, “Coconut is a very important food crop with over 200 items that can be gotten from it. And with its many health benefits, nothing in the coconut is a waste”.

“Instead of planting trees without fruit benefit, I want to encourage Lagosians to start planting coconut trees as a replacement. Today, LASCODA has trained over 2,000 youths on how to make bags, bangles and key holders from by-products of coconuts.  Even retirees are advised to come into the coconut value chain as LASCODA is ready to give them the needed assistance”.

In his remark, the Director of Features Unit, Ministry of Information, Mr. Tayo Ogunbiyi suggested that LASCODA should partner with Donors and Foundations who are keen on empowerment and thus take the training initiative of the authority to the nooks and crannies of the five divisions of the State.  

The highlight of the visit was when the LASCODA team presented key holders, flowers and other usable items made from coconut by-products to the Permanent Secretary and members of his management team.