By Raji Rasak
LAGOS State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and some other state officials and dignitaries are set for the 2024 Coconut Festival scheduled to hold on December 28 at Badagry.
Prince Mesi Doheto, the President, African Coconut Heritage Initiative (AFRICOCO), organisers of Annual Coconut Heritage ‘Agunkefest’, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry on Tuesday.
Doheto said that the festival would be held at the Historic Heritage Museum, Marina, Badagry. According to him, Sanwo-Olu and one of his commissioners will be at the event
The president said that the governor’s special adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, would be the chief host.
“The Festival is tagged: “Reminiscence Edition” Reflecting on over a Decade of Celebrating African Coconut Heritage.
“The choice of venue depicts history and heritage around coconut in Nigeria,” he said.
The president said that the initiative had received endorsement and support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
Doheto said: “Since its inception, Agunkefest has grown into a vibrant celebration of African coconut heritage, showcasing the rich cultural traditions, resilience, economic, health and environmental benefits and innovation of coconut value chain in Nigeria and across Africa.
“The first Agunkefest was held in 2009 in Badagry. It was the first of its kind in Africa, bringing together local coconut farmers, artisans and community leaders to share knowledge, skills and traditions.
“The festival was a humble beginning, with few participants, but it laid the foundation for what would become a big annual event.
“Then, by 2018 to 2023, the festival expanded to include more activities, such as coconut-themed competitions, traditional music and dance performances, and exhibitions of coconut-based products,” he said.
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Doheto said that the period recorded introduction of workshops and training sessions that focused on sustainable coconut farming practices, value addition and entrepreneurship.
“The 2023 edition, 10th anniversary celebration, was a momentous occasion, marking a decade of promoting African coconut heritage.
The Coordinator of Agunkefest 2024, Mr Peter Asu, said the 2024 edition would be celebrated in a low-key manner because of preparations for a big celebration in 2025.
“Despite the subdued tone, the Reminiscence Edition promises to be an unforgettable experience, with focus on reminiscence and celebration of the African coconut heritage.
“The event will feature coconut exhibitions, showcasing the history, cultural significance and traditional uses of coconuts in Africa with a blend of innovative technology, crafts, cosmetics, drinks and foods in the coconut value chain
“This edition will provide a platform for elders and community leaders to share experiences, stories and wisdom related to coconut cultivation and utilisation,” he said. (NAN)
