The Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, in conjunction with the Tolaram Group and Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, has distributed coconut seedlings to eight coastal communities in the state.

Some of the communities, according to a statement issued by the state government, included Magbon, Itokin, Oke Segun, Idohun, and Itoke.

The seedlings were received on behalf of the communities by their representatives at an event held at the Tolaram Corporate Headquarters, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

The statement quoted the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, to have stated that the importance of revamping the coconut economy in the state could not be over-emphasised because of its cultural and economic importance to Lagos as well as its natural ability to contribute significantly to combating the impacts of climate change.

Olusanya, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr Gbolabo Olaniwun, encouraged the benefiting communities to “nurse and nurture the seedlings to fruition because it will go a long way in combating coastal erosion and other vagaries of the ocean on the shoreline.”

The President of the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, Gboyega Bada, also charged representatives of the communities to ensure that the seedlings were properly planted as they would impact positively on the livelihood of coastal areas in the next three to five years.

“Coconut trees are not on Lagos State’s official insignia for fun but with purpose,” he said.

The representative of Tolaram, Mr Vishal Shah, and the LFZ officials expressed their happiness to partner LASCODA and Rotary Club Eko Atlantic to provide seedlings for the rehabilitation of the shoreline of the eight coastal communities.

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