By Joseph Joy

In the gentle cradle of the earth, a tiny nut began a special journey, most times, untamed, growing into the magnificent giant palm tree. Emerging from the ground, it became a beautiful sight, wearing fronds that shared stories of strength and life. This simple start marked the beginning of an extraordinary tree, quietly giving to nature’s melody.

As the palm tree grow, it became a part of life’s circle. With fronds adorning its form, producing seeds called banga—a precious gift for making oil. The canel nut, a sidekick to this nature’s wonder, had the secret to refining, creating a creamy essence for various tasty dishes.

Yet, the palm’s magic went beyond food. Its nut shelf, once collected, showed another skill—it danced in flames. During rainy seasons, it stood by, keeping the fire warm and ensuring the kitchen continued its cozy tales. The palm tree’s legacy intertwined with comforting stories around the fire sustains humanity.

The journey didn’t end there. Through careful grinding of its nuts, a golden liquid flowed—palm oil, a treasure with many uses. The chaff, often overlooked, became a secret kindling, lighting fires effortlessly like a seasoned performer on nature’s stage.

Craftsmanship and the palm tree joined hands. Sturdy sticks from its wood crafted intricate baskets, each strand a sign of the teamwork between people and nature. These baskets, strong and practical, echoed the tree’s silent craftsmanship. The baskets so made, aids man in his daily routine.

The palm’s leaves, like ancient brooms, become storytellers. Whispering in the wind, they shared tales of days gone by, a reminder of the tree’s enduring presence in life’s fabric.

Palm tree has immeasurable attributable qualities it renders to man. When carefully tapped by men sophisticated in gaining its wine content it offers in bounty for man’s relaxation and financial inclination. Wine, when shared in commonality enthroned peace and unity.

It stands tallest among its peers and provides shed below for other animals to take comfort. On a sunny harmattan season, little children, hinted by hunger, goes around the palm tree in search of solitary kernels to crack, eat and quench hunger.

Even in its last act, the palm tree had a purpose. When its fruitful days passed, it gracefully becomes firewood, offering warmth and comfort in its final moments. From its humble beginning to the quiet end, the palm tree stood as a loyal friend in humanity’s journey.

In nature’s grand picture, the palm tree played many roles—a conductor in life’s symphony, weaving threads of usefulness, skill, and tradition. Reflecting on the palm’s dance with the elements, we find a touching reminder of the beautiful connection between people and the natural world.

Watching the birds perch on the leaves of a giant palm tree in our compound, older than my grand father, and how serene they are, gives hope and assurance that the tree offers shelter just as it can also be used by man to roof his house.