The Atili fruit, popularly called African Black Olive fruit with the botanical name Canarium Schweinfurthii, is one fruit that comes with a lot of health benefits which include Vitamin E and oleic acid, making it popular in skincare and haircare products for its moisturizing properties.
Its oil, often called “Mai Atili” can be used for frying or drizzling over food while the fruit itself is often boiled or roasted and eaten alone or with corn.
The fruit has a distinct flavour and its oil is believed to have health benefits, including improving digestion, aiding in cholesterol management, and providing cardiovascular benefits.
While men in different parts of Plateau State use the seeds of “Atili” to play the game of “Dara”, a woman, Mrs. Ngwan Ephraim, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of B2 Innovations, saw an interesting way to use the “Atili” seeds to do something better by utilizing them to create some pieces of artifacts and period pieces that not only captures the creativity of Plateau women but also make a statement that something can be created out of nothing.
According to the innovative female entrepreneur, her journey began with a simple admiration for the olive seed, a material she observed to be both naturally beautiful and durable. This curiosity led her to conduct further research on its availability and potential uses.
According to her findings, Plateau State has the highest concentration of olive trees in Nigeria but despite this, only a very small fraction of the seeds are traditionally utilized, mostly for producing a single basic musical instrument.
Mrs. Ngwan noted that less than one percent of the seeds are put to use, leaving the rest to waste on the ground. This realization inspired her to explore more ways the seed could be transformed into valuable items.
She took a closer look at the texture, strength, and unique appearance of the olive seed. To her, these qualities showed that the seed had far more creative potential than what was being realized.
Motivated by this discovery, she began experimenting with different forms of design. Over time, she developed techniques for turning the seeds into attractive, functional, and durable products.
Her innovation has now grown into B2 Innovations, a venture dedicated to maximizing the potential of locally sourced raw materials. The business focuses on converting overlooked natural resources into market-ready goods.
Her work demonstrates how creativity can elevate simple raw materials into refined products that contribute to economic growth. It also highlights the importance of exploring local resources for sustainable development.
Mrs. Ngwan believes that Plateau possesses enormous creative potential waiting to be harnessed. Her products serve as examples of what can be achieved through innovation and resourcefulness.
Through her work with olive seeds, Mrs. Ngwan continues to inspire others to rethink what is possible with locally available materials. Her story stands as a strong example of innovation rooted in culture, nature, and enterprise.