Expert Urges Yoruba Youths To Invest In Kolanut Plantation

By Ayobami Agboola & Alimat Abdulganiyu, Osogbo

Chief Abimbola Taiwo, Babalaje Oko Oba Age, Lagos, has advised Yoruba youths to invest in kolanut plantation to boost the revenue of the South Western region.

Chief Taiwo gave the advice during the inauguration of Omo Oodua Kolanuts Growers and Sellers Association of Nigeria (OKGSAN), held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Newly inaugurated

The Babalaje Oko Oba said that large scale cultivation of the kolanut was a veritable avenue to economic wealth.

The Lagos based social analyst who lamented that only aged men and women between the ages of 60 and 70 still planting kolanuts urged Youths to venture into kolanut plantation saying kolanut plantation cultivation was capable of creating job opportunities for the teeming Yoruba youths, if well managed.

Crowd

“Beyond the tradition of using kolanut to promote unity, establishing kolanut plantations in many parts of the West geopolitical zone could provide jobs and revenue to the people,’’ he said.

“I want to appreciate the organizers of this programme for the opportunity given to me today to come and say something about kolanut. The economic importance of kolanut in our economy.

Enumerating some of the important Important of kolanut, Babalaje Oko Oba, Agege Lagos said it aids digestion, it boosts energy level and it also serve as anti-bacterial to stop the growth of harmful bacteria.

He further said: “Cultural symbol for many ethnic groups during wedding, funerals, naming. Boost to metabolism because it contain caffeine. Caffeine is the stimulant often found in coffee and cola soft drinks.

He however, enjoined governemnt at all levels on the need to give attention both in production and marketing of Kolanuts.

He also advised the government to define new techniques and innovations in the preservation of kolanuts, saying they should also ensure storage facilities so as to boost the nation’s economy.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who is the Grand Royal Patron of OKGSAN advised the people to venture into plantation of kola nuts and other agricultural sector, especially modern agriculture to cushion the effect of dwindling oil economy.

He said with the fertile land, Nigerians have the potential to meet and surpass the food need of its people and earn foreign reserve without relying much on crude oil.

Represented by Obalufon Ogbogbodinrin , Ooni urged corporate and wealthy Nigerians to invest in agriculture to tackle unemployment problem in Nigeria.

“We can take advantage of the fertile land to improve the fortune of our country,’’ he said.

He congratulated the newly inaugurated executives urging them to use their wealth of experience to take the association to the greater heights.

Also Speaking, the royal patron, HRM Oba Adeyemi Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido Osun said said wealthy people could also invest in kolanut plantations, adding that the return on such investment was promising.

Oba Adedapo said that cultivation of kolanut was significant as its usefulness cannot be underestimated.

He used the medium to call on the youths to re-channel their energies towards agriculture development.

Ends