What does kola nut represent in Okonkwo’s culture in Things Fall Apart?

In Things Fall Apart, customs and
traditions are a very important part of the Ibo culture. One such custom involves
breaking and eating the kola nut. The most distinguished person at a meeting would break
the kola nut:

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In the Ibo culture, the kola nut is broken by the
most celebrated person at an
event.

The kola nut itself is
filled with caffeine:

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Kola nut, which contains high amounts of
caffeine, helps combat fatigue and is most commonly used as a central nervous system
stimulant that focuses on the cerebrospinal centers. It also contains theobromine, a
stimulant found in chocolate as well as in green
tea.

Offering kola nut at a
meeting would be equivalent of being hospitable. If someone visited one, as a means of
being hospitable, one would offer them coffee, tea, or soda. In Okonkwo's culture,
showing hospitality meant offering kola nut and palm wine. Having good manners is
showing one's guest hospitality. It is a necessary part of Okonkwo's respectful cultural
traditions.

Also, no doubt the kola nut was used as a
stimulant since is has caffeine. It would be used the way one uses coca cola. In fact,
coca cola has properties of kola nuts:

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Most people around the world are familiar with
kola; many have tasted it and do not even know it. In the 1800s, a pharmacist in Georgia
took extracts of kola, sugar and coca and mixed them with carbonated water. His
accountant tasted it and called it "Coca Cola." Today, Coca-Cola still uses kola in its
original recipe.

Most
importantly, when entertaining, it is necessary to show good manners. It is a sign of
respect. The proper custom is to show hospitality to a guest. In Okonkwo's culture,
offering kola nuts and palm wine is the same as showing good manners and respect for the
guest or guests.