The Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, LASCODA, in fulfilment of its promise to support both private and public institutions through the Coconut Renewal Initiative of the state government, has presented improved and urban-friendly coconut seedlings for the beautification of Dairy Farm Secondary School, and Anwar-Ul-Islam Model College, both in Agege.
Speaking during the presentation and the symbolic planting of the seedlings at the two secondary schools, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Gbolabo Olaniwun, stated that the gesture was in line with the state government’s initiative on coconut.
Olaniwun emphasised that the initiative was designed to make coconut a household tree, whereby people would understand its economic benefits, stressing that there are currently about 2.5 million coconut trees in the urban areas and the plan is to increase it to three million by the end of 2020.
He said, “We intend to propagate the importance of coconut among the general public, including public institutions and the private sector, as well as promote its prominence as a cultural heritage and staple food to Lagos indigenes.”
Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Agege, Mrs. Titilayo Margaret Solarin, represented by Mrs. Moriyeba Bello, on her part, appreciated the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his kind gesture to have approved their request for the seedlings.
Insisting that the planting of the coconut seedling will enhance the beautification projects of the schools, Solarin promised that she will ensure that the seedlings are properly nurtured and taken care of by the schools.
General Manager 0f Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Mr. Oladapo Olakulehin, in his own remarks, stated that the presentation of the seedlings to the schools was in continuation of the coconut renewal initiative of the Lagos State government
He said, “The exercise is meant to promote coconut development activities in Lagos State, through the distribution of the coconut seedlings to various institutions, so as to increase awareness on the array of invaluable economic, health and environmental benefits that coconut offers amid many of its other social benefits.”
