By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Prince Messi Doheto and Coconut |
BADAGRY, Lagos – The African Coconut Heritage Initiative (Africoco), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Badagry Local Government, Olorunda LCDA, and Badagry West LCDA, is proud to announce the 12th International Coconut Festival, popularly known as Agunkefest 2025.
This premier annual event, scheduled from Wednesday, December 3rd, to Saturday, December 6th, 2025, is set to transform the historic town of Badagry into a global hub for cultural celebration and sustainable economic discourse centered on the versatile coconut.
Organizers have designed the 2025 edition to significantly deepen community involvement and expand the coconut value chain.
Messi Doheto, the founder of Africoco revealed that this year's festival is strategically focused on strengthening cultural pride among the youth and showcasing cutting-edge innovation in coconut cultivation, processing, and entrepreneurship. Agunkefest has evolved beyond a cultural display into a vital platform for empowering the next generation of agri-business leaders and reinforcing the coconut's role in environmental sustainability and tourism for Lagos State.
The action-packed schedule begins on Day One, Wednesday, December 3rd, with a symbolic Coconut Tree Planting Program at the Badagry West LCDA Secretariat in Kankon. This initiative underscores Africoco's long-standing mission to replenish and protect Lagos’ vital coconut corridor, actively engaging schools, families, and community groups in environmental development.
The momentum continues on Thursday, December 4th, with another tree-planting event at Olorunda LCDA, followed by the highly anticipated Schools Arts and Crafts/Painting Competition, which challenges pupils to creatively interpret coconut themes and fosters early cultural education.
The festival crescendos with the Grand Finale on Saturday, December 6th, promising a vibrant day of celebration and empowerment. The day kicks off at 7:00 AM with a traditional Coconut Breaking and Cultural Opening Ceremony, followed by a pivotal Symposium and Coconut Empowerment Program at the Badagry City Hall by 10:00 AM.
This forum will unite industry stakeholders, farmers, processors, and young entrepreneurs for crucial conversations on improving production, boosting local trade, and positioning Nigerian coconut as a formidable global economic asset.
Agunkefest 2025 will culminate in a spectacular display of community spirit with a vibrant Coconut Fair, Float Parade, and Cultural/Musical Performances at the iconic Badagry Waterfront (Pathfinder) from 1:00 PM. This grand parade, expected to draw visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, is a testament to the festival's success in showcasing the unique beauty, enterprise, and rich cultural wealth of Badagry. Ultimately, Agunkefest 2025 stands as a powerful testament to a renewed commitment to celebrating local identity, preserving heritage, and unlocking vast economic opportunities through the mighty coconut.