Cooperatives are Key Drivers of Sustainable Economic Development – Dr. Uju Agbasi
Naija CooperativeNews
Cooperatives are viewed as important tools for improving the living and working conditions of both women and men. Since the users of the services they provide owned them, cooperatives make decisions that balance the need for profitability with the welfare of their members and the community, which they serve. Hence, a key driver for economic development, sustainability, and expansion of various sectors.
With regard to economic and social development, cooperatives promote the “fullest participation of all people” and facilitate a more equitable distribution of the benefits of globalization. They contribute to sustainable human development and have an important role to play in combating social exclusion.
The above assertion forms the crux of the discussions at the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives Symposium organized by Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Department of Cooperative Economics and Management in conjunction with the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria.(ICOPRON)
The event attracted students, management, and staff of the university, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and alumni members of the department, among others.
Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Esimone, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, called on Departments of Cooperative Economics and Management in Nigerian tertiary institutions and federal and state Ministries of Cooperatives to further sensitize the populace on the benefits of Cooperatives to their individual members and the Nigerian economy.
He stated that well-organized cooperatives could have a significant impact on the country’s small and medium-scale enterprises, agricultural sector, cottage industries, and in many other ways, becoming partners in the sustainable development of Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Head of the Department, Dr. Uju Agbasi, expressed her burning desire to create a synergy between the Department and its alumni, which led to the organisation of the 2023 International Cooperative Day as a platform to have the Maiden Homecoming of their Alumni and enlist them in the much-needed infrastructural development of the department.
Dr. Agbasi explained that UNIZIK has made continuous progress in infrastructure and academic developments, which is significant in the recent rating of the university. However, she noted that for the university to compete effectively with its foreign counterparts, the development of the institution should not be left in the hands of the government alone.
She described Cooperatives as key drivers of sustainable economic development in any nation.
The guest lecturer, Chief Tajudeen Ayeola, called on Cooperatives and civil society organizations to join forces to deal with socio-economic issues challenging Nigeria today.
Professor Sharubutu Garba, in his lecture, noted that International Cooperatives Day creates awareness of the need to bring back the days of the commodity on board and serves as a wake-up call to cooperatives to re-energize cooperative societies at all levels to boost Nigeria’s economy.
Other speakers who lent their voices on the occasion were scholars and stakeholders in the cooperative profession.
In a vote of thanks, the Local Organizing Committee Chairperson, Dr. Frank Udemmadu thanked all and sundry who made the occasion colorful, Udemmadu pointed out that there is a need to enhance the profession through innovations and goal-driven approaches, he also thanked UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor for the nod and immense support while also eulogizing the HOD for her doggedness in ensuring that the event was successful.
Highpoints of the occasion were the official launching of the book titled “READINGS IN CO-OPERATIVE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT – 3rd Edition” edited by Obianuju E. Agbasi, Okechukwu I. Chilokwu, Nkechi C. Ojiagu, and Ogechukwu E. Okafor. There was also the presentation of awards to friends of the university, posthumous awards, and alumni awards of the years to top stakeholders in the profession.
