As part of activities to commemorate the 2018 World Food Day, the Lagos State Government on Tuesday distributed some processing and merchandising equipment to 10 bakeries partnering with the state to produce coconut bread.

The items distributed include 10 tricycles, 20 kiosks and 25,000 bread wrappers worth about N25 million.

Presenting the items to the bakers in Lagos, Mr Olayiwole Onasanya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, said that two kiosks would be given to each baker.

One of the benefiting bakery is Butter Burst Bakery.

The state government had on Sept. 2, announced that it would partner with 10 bakeries for the production of coconut bread.

According to the government, the move is to further strengthen coconut value chain development and the activities of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA).

Also, earlier in February, Mr Oluwatoyin Suarau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, had assured coconut processors that the government would continue to support progressive activities that contribute to the improvement of coconut processing in the state.

Suarau said that coconut value chain had a lot of potential that could be harnessed to impact positively on the GDP of the country.

He had urged coconut processors to do more in promoting the legacy of coconut as a crop of heritage.

“Coconut has been scientifically proven to have a lot of medicinal values when consumed on regular basis. Many products such as coconut oil, coconut cream, soap, “burundi’’, coconut water, hair cream, coconut body cream, coconut candy and many others can be made from coconut if properly harnessed,’’ he had said.

The World Food Day is celebrated globally on every Oct. 16.

“The day, which was set aside by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN, is to commemorate the founding of the organisation in 1945. Events around the day promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all. Zero Hunger World” by 2030 is at the heart of the year’s event”.

“It means working together to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to the safe, healthy and nutritious food they need. To achieve it, we must adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, work with others, share our knowledge and be willing to help to change the world for the better,” the FAO says.

(NAN)