A group of farmers in Osun State has urged the government to tap into the potential of coconut cultivation to create jobs for youths and reduce crime.
They propose that the government utilize 10,000 acres of land to create at least 500,000 jobs, from cultivation to value-added product development.
This initiative could boost the state’s economy and generate significant internal revenue.
Speaking in Osogbo, the National Coordinator, Knowledge is power Coconut Growers and Processor Association of Nigeria, Pastor Adewumi Adeyemi said that the state government can provide jobs for 500,000 youths with cultivation of coconut on10,000 acres of land.
Adeyemi said creation of jobs through cultivation coconut will also boost economic of the state
According to him, “With ten thousand acres of land, we expect to create at least five hundred thousand jobs, from coconut cultivation to value-added product development. When there is job security in any state honestly speaking all these bandits, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality will reduce drastically.
He said, “As the name of our organization implies, knowledge is power limited and it’s only when you acquire knowledge that you can disseminate information about it.
“Coconut farming will boost the economy of the state. Today’s seminar is about capacity building, and we believe that initially, we need to build structures and prepare to collaborate with the state government for partnership. Through this project, we aim to create job opportunities for young generations.
‘My advice to the general public is to consider farming, alongside other livelihoods. Planting coconut, in addition to yam, cassava, and maize, can earn us a good living.
“The leaders are knowledgeable about this crop, and we can help the Osun government establish a Coconut Development Association, which can generate significant internal revenue and boost the government’s IGR. Coconut products have immense potential.
