Lagos State Champions Cooperative Power to Drive Inclusive Growth and Grassroots Prosperity
Naija CooperativeNews
In a bold move to strengthen community-driven development and economic inclusion, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the power of cooperatives as engines of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
This declaration was made by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, during her keynote address at the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives celebration. The event was held in partnership with the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) and doubled as an awards ceremony honouring exceptional cooperative leaders and institutions across the state.
Speaking on the theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” Bada Ambrose underscored the relevance of the cooperative movement to Lagos’ broader developmental agenda. She highlighted its alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP 2052), both of which emphasize grassroots empowerment, support for small businesses, and economic equity.
“Cooperatives remain a powerful vehicle for economic inclusion and social transformation. From small community savings groups to large-scale agribusinesses, the cooperative model continues to reduce poverty, create decent jobs, and encourage grassroots participation,” she said.
The President of LASCOFED, Mr. Oladipo Shobule, also delivered a keynote address, noting the global significance of 2025 being declared the International Year of Cooperatives—only the second time the United Nations has bestowed this recognition.
Shobule praised the vital role of cooperatives in advancing sustainable development and improving lives.
“This theme reminds us that cooperatives are more than just economic entities. They are social transformers. Here in Lagos, our cooperatives are driving access to finance, housing, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship for thousands,” he stated.
The event brought together a wide network of cooperative stakeholders, government officials, and development partners, all united by a shared vision: to elevate cooperatives as strategic tools for inclusive economic growth and sustainable community development in Lagos and beyond.
