Plateau State’s Gov. Mutfwang Charged Cooperatives to Uphold Integrity

….To look at means and ways to increase the acceptability of cooperatives in the state

…Charged cooperators to uphold their values of integrity, create an operational legal framework

The Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has pledged to partner with the Cooperative Movement in the State and urge them to articulate their needs for the government’s attention. This he said over the weekend at a courtesy visit made to him by the cooperative movement in the state under the umbrella of the Plateau State Cooperative Federation Ltd. (PLASCOFED) led by the CFN President High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola.

Speaking at the visit, President Ayeola said, “Although cooperatives are not political organizations, their interests in the affairs of politics and political office holders are due to their role in policymaking and decisions that have impacts on its members. In his words to the governor, he said, “We’re very much aware that you have a lot of economic and social programmes, for the citizens of Plateau State, then we now offer the Cooperative platform for the implementation of many of these programmes.”

He further made a plea to the governor while making reference to Lagos State, to please increase the staff of the Department of Cooperative Services in the state to aid the regulatory and supervisory function of the department, which is under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
In his words, “In the Department of Cooperatives in Lagos State, we have about, then precisely two hundred and fifty-seven members of staff, working for that Department because of that, the cooperative system in Lagos is well monitored for anybody to bring in sharp practices it will be extremely difficult, here sir, we are short staffed.”

Responding to the President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), who spoke on behalf of PLASCOFED, the governor appreciated them for the visit and said though the activities of Cooperatives are noble, charged them to uphold the integrity and create a legal framework that will enable them to run their operation effectively. “Therefore we must look at ways and means of increasing the acceptability of the Cooperative Societies to the people of Plateau State. One of the issues that have made Cooperatives not to be accepted in certain quarters is the issues of integrity, the custodians of that fund often, and not betray the confidence reposed on them.”

Governor Muftwang pledged to partner with the Cooperative Movement and urge them to outline their needs for proper attention from the government.
He further stated that Cooperative is a voluntary thing, but because we know the human mind is infested with capacity for mischief it needs regulation, so we need to have this conversation, where are we, where do we need to go from here, so that our people can benefit.

Among the dignitaries that made the visit to the governor are the board members of Plateau State Cooperative Federation Ltd. (PLASCOFED), the President, the Director of Cooperative Services, the Permanent Secretary, and other management staff of the Plateau State Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Meanwhile, in an interview after the courtesy call made to the governor, Mr. Samuel Ariyo, the President of Radio Nigeria Highland FM staff Cooperative Society,m expressed his excitement about being among the delegates that visited the governor and that he could see the sincerity of the governor to really want to work with the Cooperative Movement in the state based on his words that he would ensure the recognition of Cooperative in his government policies which will surely favours them.

The highlight of the visit to the governor was the investiture made on him as a Patron of the Cooperative Movement in Nigeria.