The Ogun State government has reteirated commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement through effective policy frameworks, capacity building and financial incentives.
This is necessary to enable cooperative societies play the crucial roles of promoting food security, job creation, social welfare as well as boost the state micro economy.
Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the assurance this midweek at the opening of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives conference organised by the state Cooperative Federation Limited(OGSCOFED) in collaboration with the ministry of community development and cooperatives with the theme, ‘cooperative build a better future for all’ held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun who made it known that all outstanding cooperative deductions owed to various organisations have been cleared by the current administration, added that such deductions are now being paid simultaneously alongside the salaries.
According to him, government has seen the need for essential financing institutions for over 14,000 cooperative societies in the state to enable them access funding at low interest rates,lauding cooperative societies for exemplifying people-centred enterprises characterised by a unique and democratic structure that empowers individuals to achieve their economic aspirations.
In their goodwill messages, the OGUNCCIMA President , Lion Niyi Osiyemi and the NACCIMA President, Barrister Akin Oye represented by the NACCIMA Director-General, Mr. Sola Obadimu noted that the conference provides a unique platform for cooperators to deliberate meaningfully for a better economy, adding that the roles of cooperatives in the society have helped greatly in promoting sustainable development.
Also speaking, the commissioner for community development and cooperatives, Honourable Ademola Balogun said over 14,000 registered cooperative organisations are spread across the state to bridge the gap of access to wealth creation and distribution among various members and stakeholders towards an improved wellbeing of the people and the state economy.
In a welcome address, the OGSCOFED President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye explained that the conference will afford members the opportunity of deliberating on the best practices in the industry with a view to driving sustainable change in cooperatives just as he thanked Governor Abiodun for always supporting the cooperative system.#
