That coconut (Cocos nucifera) is the most important of cultivated palms and the most widely distributed globally is saying it as it is. Little wonder that it is referred to as “man’s most useful tree,” “king of the tropical flora,” “tree of abundance,” “tree of heaven,” and “tree of life.” These are not mere exaggerations. Indeed, there are several reasons coconut attracts such glowing descriptions.
The coconut industry is considered a million-dollar earner that provides livelihood to one-third of the total population in the Philippines. This must be the reason why the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has been setting several programs to enhance the uses of coconut. In the same country, coconut is known for its buko. It is often used for salads, halo-halo (crushed ice with sweetened fruits), sweets, and pastries. It provides extra income to housewives and even young entrepreneurs. It generates jobs for out-of-school youths. During summer, young children earn income by selling buko pie”.
Within the Nigerian context, it gladdens the heart that the forward-looking Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, like his Akwa-Ibom counterpart, Emmanuel Udom has keyed into the immense economic benefits derivable from the coconut industry. For instance, when in September, 2016 the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture revealed plans to expand structure for coconut production and processing in the state, some industry watchers took it with a pinch of salt. But events that have unfolded between then and now indicate the seriousness of the government walking the talk. It would be recalled that back then the Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Mr. Ganiyu Sanni Okanlawon, expressed optimism that the collaboration between the state, the private sector and all stakeholders in the agriculture sector, would result in a win-win situation
To give meaningful bite to the promise the project began through Public Private Partnership arrangement with the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), as led by Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande. The salutary aim of course, is to attract both local and foreign investors to Lagos and ensure quick returns on investment. On her part, Akande expressed the willingness of LCCI to foster collaboration with the Lagos State Government to address the critical issues of food security and safety. These, she noted is critical for social stability and security of lives and property.
The noteworthy features of the revolution currently taking place in the sub-sector of the state’s fast-growing economy began with the constitution of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority. Next came the empowerment of the coconut growers in the state with more than 30,000 coconut seedlings. Over 600 youths and women have so far been trained in the production of coconut oil and art crafts.
Adding fillip to the value chain was the recent distribution of coconut processing equipment to processors in 12 local government and local council development areas. These cut across processors from Badagry, Kosofe, Ori-Ade, Oto Awori, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Ojo, Surulere, Ikorodu, Lekki Agege and Alimosho councils. The 12 units of coconut processing equipment donated included stainless, two- tons-per-hour coconut grater, 7.5 electric motor, industrial burners, aluminum bowls and spoons. That explains why the President of the Lagos State Coconut Processors, Mr. Muhammad Mustapha, has commended the government for adding economic value to the sector.
Currently making waves as a product of the involvement of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) in coconut processing in Lagos state is Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). It is a naturally processed, chemically free and additive-free product from fresh coconut meat or its derivative (coconut milk and coconut milk residue), which has not undergone any further chemical processing after extraction.
To take the coconut processing to the next level, more still needs to be done. The first of such is mass public enlightenment on the immense economic and nutritional benefits inherent in its growth, especially using the fast-yielding, disease-resistant seedlings. If such awareness is created, youth will stop pulling down the coconut trees as some have done in Akwa Ibom State before the intervention of the governor. Truth is that many Nigerians, especially those at the riverine and coastal areas where coconut grows in abundance seem not to be aware of the plant’s immense benefits to them, individually and collectively.
As at today, many natural products such as foods, drinks, fibres, building materials and chemicals are made from coconut. Specifically, history has it that the Portuguese first reported coconut’s use as food in the Caribbean area prior to 1526. The kernel can produce flour (which can be used as a wheat extender), desiccated coconut, coconut milk (gata), coconut chips (very popular in Hawaii) and candies
The meat from a coconut is very high in protein. It contains all the essential amino acids that the human body needs and is also commonly used as a supplement in cattle feed. The juice is promoted as a water therapy to cure renal disorders. Other uses of coconut water include vinegar, coconut wine and production of the chewy, fiber-rich nata.
Important also is for Nigerians to be aware that coconut water is used as Sports drink. It has a lot of electrolytes in them that are perfectly balanced. The water can be fermented to make a jelly-like food product called Nata de coco . The oil in the coconut fries the coconut like a potato chip but with no need for a fryer. Just add salt and enjoy. It can serve as a passable substitute for vegetable shortening in many recipes.
Coconut milk is a mixture of coconut water and coconut meat (usually taken from a young coconut). This can be used as a dairy substitute. Coconut oil can be used as a low power sunscreen. If rubbed on the skin it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about four times the common skin cream. It is even used as a diaper cream.
Coconut tree sap sugar has a distinctive flavor and can be used as a substitute for regular cane sugar in any recipe. For industrial uses, coconut oil is used as bio-diesel as fuel in diesel engines. Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine and actually designed it to work on vegetable oil.
The fibers of a coconut husk can be woven into durable rugs and mat, for making biodegradable chairs, very strong ropes and to prevent further erosion and to promote plant growth.
For Nigerians to benefit maximally from coconut there should sustained mass public enlightenment, direct funding of researches on it from government and the private sector. With abundance of coconut across several states it would improve on food security, nutrition, employment as well as wealth creation.
Ayo Oyoze Baje
