The Lagos State Government has announced that its coconut project will provide 200,000 job opportunities for the youth. This initiative was disclosed by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during a courtesy visit by the Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Nigeria, Mr. Dominique Koffy.
Salu-Hundeyin, who received Koffy on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Ikeja on Tuesday, emphasized the government’s collaboration with the FAO to leverage the state’s cash crop, coconut, to ensure food security and economic benefits for the citizens.
Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the numerous benefits of coconuts, noting that Lagos is fortunate to be naturally endowed with this resource. “We are very blessed people to have this tree that God has given us free of charge. We don’t want to lose that which God has given to us. We want to improve on it, so that we can feed our people in Lagos State,” she said.
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She outlined the potential uses of coconut, including its conversion into various food products such as bread, garri, flour, and chinchin, which would be more affordable and nutritious for the populace. Beyond its food value, coconut also offers economic benefits and environmental protection, serving as a natural barrier against climate change adversities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is committed to enhancing the living standards of Lagosians by ensuring food security, economic stability, and overall better liveability. Salu-Hundeyin stated, “Mr. Governor has made all provisions, even our counterpart funding is ready. Everything to start this project is ready because we know that it is a project that the citizenry of Lagos State, Nigeria as a whole, and West Africa will benefit from.”
The initiative aims to fully exploit the advantages of coconut, from its shell and water to the fruit and trees. Salu-Hundeyin also pointed out the importance of engaging the youth, given that Lagos has the largest population in Nigeria, which includes a significant youth demographic. “We know that the coconut project will give our youth nothing less than 200,000 job opportunities, which is a good thing for us, and so Mr. Governor says he’s buying into it,” she added.
In his remarks, Koffy expressed the FAO’s readiness to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on developing the coconut value chain to create employment. He praised both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for their proactive stance and willingness to work with the FAO.
Koffy also mentioned that the FAO and the Lagos State Government would explore the development of cattle feedlots and cattle farms to boost youth productivity, not just for local needs but also for export. He stressed the need for strong policies to enhance production and ensure food security for Nigerians.
