By Engr. Pius Ebong
The official launch of the book Pioneering Jackfruit Innovations in Nigeria by Mrs. Emem Umoh, Founder of the Women in Nature Conservation Organisation (WINCO), on Saturday, 18 July 2026, marked more than the unveiling of another publication. It was a celebration of vision, resilience, innovation and the extraordinary capacity of women to transform communities through sustainable enterprise.
The colourful event, which attracted an impressive array of dignitaries from government, the private sector, academia, development organisations, traditional institutions, professional bodies and civil society, underscored the growing national recognition of WINCO’s pioneering work in environmental conservation and women-centred economic development.
For years, WINCO has quietly demonstrated that conservation can become a powerful catalyst for economic prosperity. Operating a thriving cottage-scale agro-processing enterprise in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the organisation has transformed an underutilised tropical fruit, the jackfruit, into an engine for women’s empowerment, climate resilience and sustainable rural development.
What began as a conservation-drive and agroforestry initiative has today evolved into one of Nigeria’s most inspiring examples of community-based green enterprise. Through innovation, determination and strategic thinking, WINCO has shown that protecting the environment and creating wealth are not mutually exclusive objectives but complementary pathways to sustainable development.
Today, WINCO produces fourteen different jackfruit-based products across both food and wellness categories. These include flour, chips, porridge blends, herbal teas, oils and nutraceutical products, each demonstrating the enormous commercial potential of a fruit that was once largely neglected. Through value addition, the organisation has reduced post-harvest losses, created employment opportunities and opened new markets for rural producers.
One of the organisation’s most remarkable achievements was securing full production certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This milestone authorises nationwide production and distribution of WINCO’s products and affirms the quality, safety and industrial standards that have become synonymous with the organisation’s work. It also positions WINCO as a credible enterprise with significant investment and expansion potential.
Beyond commerce, WINCO continues to champion environmental restoration through community agroforestry. Jackfruit trees are climate-resilient, capable of thriving on degraded land and contribute significantly to soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration. Their cultivation therefore represents a practical response to climate change while simultaneously improving rural livelihoods.
Recognising this unique blend of environmental and economic value, both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union have partnered with WINCO to support capacity building, technology transfer, market expansion and the replication of its successful women-centred model across Nigeria. This collaboration reflects increasing international confidence in WINCO’s approach as a scalable model for sustainable development.
The publication of Pioneering Jackfruit Innovations in Nigeria further cements Mrs. Emem Umoh’s position as one of Nigeria’s foremost advocates of climate-smart agriculture and community-based conservation. The book documents years of practical experience, innovation and perseverance, providing a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners and future generations interested in sustainable agriculture and agro-industrial development.
Mrs. Umoh deserves commendation not only for her vision but also for her remarkable courage, discipline and unwavering commitment in navigating the numerous economic and operational challenges that confront small and medium-scale enterprises in Nigeria. Her journey demonstrates that with determination, innovation and consistency, local ideas can grow into nationally recognised success stories capable of attracting international partnerships.
Equally deserving of recognition are the dedicated women and men whose tireless efforts have contributed to WINCO’s remarkable achievements. Their collective commitment, technical expertise and belief in the organisation’s vision have been instrumental in transforming an ambitious conservation project into a nationally celebrated enterprise. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork, shared purpose and community ownership.
The overwhelming attendance at the book launch by distinguished personalities from diverse sectors of society was itself an endorsement of the significance of WINCO’s accomplishments. It also reflected the growing appreciation that sustainable development requires practical grassroots innovations capable of addressing environmental degradation, food security, unemployment and poverty simultaneously.
Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources whose economic potential remains largely untapped. WINCO has demonstrated that innovation does not always require sophisticated technologies or massive capital investment. Sometimes, it begins with recognising the hidden value in resources that communities have overlooked for generations.
As our nation seeks new pathways for economic diversification, climate resilience and inclusive growth, more entrepreneurs should draw inspiration from the WINCO experience. Government at all levels, development partners, financial institutions and the organised private sector should actively support similar initiatives capable of creating jobs, empowering women and youths, restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening local economies.
The story of WINCO is therefore much more than the story of jackfruit. It is the story of visionary leadership, resilient entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and community transformation. It is a reminder that when women are empowered and innovation is nurtured, conservation becomes not merely an environmental obligation but a powerful driver of national development.
Mrs. Emem Umoh and her dedicated team have shown what is possible when passion meets purpose. Their achievements deserve celebration, replication and sustained support. It is our collective hope that many more Nigerian entrepreneurs will embrace similar innovative ventures that harness our abundant natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Congratulations to Mrs. Emem Umoh, WINCO and every member of the team on the successful launch of Pioneering Jackfruit Innovations in Nigeria. May this milestone inspire a new generation of innovators committed to building a greener, more prosperous and more sustainable Nigeria.
Engr. Pius Ebong is an Industrial Development Consultant
