The Ogun State Government has joined its counterparts across the world to commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives, applauding the immense contributions of Cooperative Societies to the socio-economic development and prosperity of the State.
The Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the theme of this year’s celebration “Cooperative: Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development” spoke to the need for all hands to be on deck to fast track the process of reversing the negative effects of fuel subsidy removal on the economy and people’s livelihoods.
The governor stated this at Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, while addressing members of the Cooperative societies in commemorating of their International Day of Cooperative.
He said, “In recognition of the active roles played by Cooperative Societies in our economy, particularly in the area of promoting brotherhood, good neighbourliness, economic freedom and self-realisation, our government has facilitated series of programmes aimed at encouraging more people to imbibe the spirit of cooperation and be active participants in both formal and informal sectors of our economy”.
Abiodun, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo stated that to ease the pains of fuel subsidy removal, the present administration would soon roll out a series of measures to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and palliative to cushion the effect.
He enjoined individuals and societies in the State to embrace best practices in the management of their affairs and deepen collaboration with the State government to take full advantage of opportunities to be provided in the critical sectors, including agriculture.
In his address, the President, Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye said that the State's Cooperative societies provided credits facilities for more than twenty six percent (26%) of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
He said that International Cooperative Day was aimed at strengthening and improving the cordial relationship between cooperative and other key players in the country, noting that this year's event celebrated branch by branch to create awareness at local base, in oder to send signal to the local administrator for postive contribution.
He said "Cooperative are businesses owned and run by people who share a common goal, and have a global impact and a human touch, they support sustainable development by giving people the opportunity to access financial services and earn a decent income".
In his goodwill message, the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Head of Cooperative Movement in Nigeria, High Chief Tajudeen Adeola said that this day was to appreciate and celebrate the achievement of Cooperatives in Nigeria, saying that it was imperative to advocate for more funds for the cooperators in the country.
He implore the state government to disburse funds for the cooperatives in the state, so as to make them more active in the comity of Cooperative society in the country.
"Ogun state Cooperative society is second in Nigeria after Lagos, especially in terms of contributions, disbursement and active participation, we are imploring the state government to disburse more funds for the Cooperative societies in Ogun, so as to remain active and encourage more contributors and societies to be involved", Ayeola said.
Also, South-West Cooperative Leader, President Odua Cooperative Conglomerate, Elder Felix Ajibode, appreciated the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his moral and financial support towards the Cooperative society in the state.
He noted that the State's Cooperative societies was always known for the good and best in term of contributions, noting that they should sustain the temple for the growth and development of the entire cooperative societies in the country.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative, Alhaji Kolawole Ogunlana, noted that the Cooperative society contributed immensly, meaningfully to the growth and development of the socio-economic of the country.
He said that the state government would continue to contribute its quota to the growth and development of the Cooperative in order to remain active, noting that Cooperative was engine room to both micro and medium-scale enterprises of any society.