Ogun State needs Cooperatives as Formidable Partners in the Area of Empowering MSMEs – Gov. Abiodun

…Cooperative societies remain viable tools for sustainable micro-economy

…Enjoined them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his renewed hope agenda to transform the country

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has identified Cooperative societies as dependable tools necessary for building a sustainable micro-economy of any nation, especially in developing economies.

He said the impacts of cooperative societies on the survival and advancement of any nation are vast and indispensable, adding that setting aside a special day for deliberating and discussing their roles should be considered imperative.

The Governor through his representative Dr. Toyin Taiwo the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to him, stated while speaking at the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives celebration organized by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation (OGSCOFED) Limited in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, held in Abeokuta, the state capital over the last weekend.

“I want to specially congratulate the President, Ogun State Cooperatives Federation Limited, Alhaji Wasiu Babatunde Olaleye, and other Executive members, as well as members of the Organizing Committee of this year’s event and every person who has in one way or the other contributed into making this year edition a reality.

“Suffice it to say, that the theme for this year’s Cooperative Day: ”Cooperatives For Sustainable Development”, is intrinsically instructive, considering the innumerable impacts and contributions of Cooperative Societies to global economies and its involvement in addressing environmental degradation and climate change.

“As you all know, Cooperative Societies have continued to remain a viable tool in building sustainable micro-economy of any nation, especially in developing economies like ours,” Abiodun said.

He stressed that Cooperative societies are critical in the development of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises worldwide, which steadily and effectively drive the economy and sustain it.

The Governor further described Cooperative societies as essential blood that flows in the vein of SMEs without which the whole economic system will collapse.

He reminded members of the societies of the need to be transparent and democratic in their composition and operation, saying the original notion behind the formation of the societies was to voluntarily pool scarce resources together to promote the socioeconomic life of individual members.

According to him, the country and particularly Ogun State need cooperative societies as formidable partners in the area of empowering businessmen and women to attain their optimal potential and also contribute immensely to their immediate communities.

Governor Abiodun, however, urged them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his renewed hope agenda to transform the county, noting that whatever challenge the country is facing now is temporary in preparation for a prosperous future.

”As a Government, we acknowledge this immense contribution of your societies as a dependable partner in our development agenda, which practically predicates on our philosophy of action in Ogun State, “Building Our Future Together’.

“It may interest you to know that here in our dear state, there are over 13,000 registered Cooperative organizations spread across the nooks and crannies of the State, and actively involved in agricultural input sourcing and supply; agricultural produce marketing; micro-insurance service; financial on-lending; road transportation, artisanal mining, value addition, rendering of strategic services, commerce and providing housing to meet needs of members among others.

”Indeed, we have continued to give our unflinching support to commendable strides taken by these Cooperative Societies in our state and their immense contributions towards making businesses flourish.

“Aside from the conducive environment our administration created for ease of doing business, the regular inspection and auditing exercises conducted by government officials on Cooperative Organizations have reduced cases of overdue loans and maladministration in Cooperative management, which ultimately guarantee viability.

“In addition to that, moribund Cooperative Societies and Unions are equally being revived while new ones are promoted as we continue to sustain the revolving loans granted to Cooperatives through the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED) among other strategic interventions.

“I promise you today that we will not rest on our oars. Your mandate will never be taken for granted. In this second term of our administration, we will do more in job creation, food security, massive infrastructural development, industrialization, youth, and women empowerment, and overall well-being of our people,” he added.

Speaking also at the occasion was the President of OGSCOFED Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye who said that the theme for this year’s international cooperative day is in line with cooperative principles number 6 and 7 which stipulate cooperation among cooperatives and concern for communities.

He further stated that “We are pleased that the State Government is Identifying with us when we are celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives, Cooperative Societies will play a critical role in the socio-economic development of the State when given the necessary support and impetus to aid their growth and development”

Goodwill messages were delivered by several cooperative dignitaries chief among them is the President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN) and ICA-Africa High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola ficp who expressed the need for Government to use Cooperatives to implement their social intervention programme. Also, the President of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate spoke, and the former National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Madam Iyalode Alaba Lawson, said “Cooperatives, if given adequate support by the Government, will help the state a lot, to make sure that people don’t lack a little bit of small money they need to run their businesses.”

The Executive Secretary of OGSCOFED Mr. David Ayelabola urged Cooperative members to improve on what they are doing now and expressed his hope that next year celebration of the international cooperative day celebrations in the state would be greater than what it is this year.

Highlights of the International Day of Cooperatives in the state were the Cultural Dancers displaying their talents, matching pasts by different Cooperative Associations and Unions. Also, the exhibitions of several goods and commodity items displayed by members that the representative of the governor inspected and bought some, to help encourage them all.