LASCODA,  Tolaram Group Distribute Coconut Seedlings To Coastal Communities

Towards growing the coconut economy in Lagos, the State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), in conjunction with the Tolaram Group and Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, has distributed Coconut Seedlings to eight Coastal Communities.

The exercise which took place recently at the Tolaram Corporate Headquarters, Lekki Free Trade Zone saw coconut seedlings distributed to representatives of Magbon, Itokin, Oke Segun, Idohun, and Itoke among others.

In her address at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya stated that the importance of revamping the coconut economy in the State can not be overemphasised 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 Mr. Gbolabo Olaniwun, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, 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, Rtn Gboyega Bada also charged representatives of the communities to ensure that the seedlings are properly planted as they are going to impact positively on the livelihood of coastal areas in the next three to five years.

 

He explained that coconut trees are not on Lagos State’s official insignia for fun but with purpose.

 

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

 

Mr. Tunde Olooto, who spoke on behalf of the receiving communities, expressed gratitude and appreciation to all the partners that facilitated the distribution exercise.

 

He noted that the exercise will go a long way in encouraging them to plant more for the betterment of their unborn generations and the sustainability of their livelihood.

 

The General Manager of LASCODA, Dapo Olakulehin, represented by Mr. Olatunji Amusat, and Mr. Adurayemi Ogundele, the Environment and Community Manager, at Lekki Port, supervised the distribution of the Seedlings to the representatives of the eight communities.