Victor Oyegoke on an Official Visit to Kenya: Boosting Cooperative Development and Growth
Naija CooperativeNews
Hon. Victor Oyegoke, Special Adviser on Cooperatives and Farmers Welfare to the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi CON (Baraden Borgu), embarked on an official trip to Kenya from November 3rd to 9th, 2024. The visit aimed to explore ways to revamp and reform the cooperative sector in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade.
Upon arrival in Kenya, Hon. Oyegoke met with Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliffe A. Oparanya, EGH, and his team. They discussed key issues surrounding cooperative development and growth, focusing on boosting the cooperative ecosystem between Nigeria and Kenya. The meeting was marked by the presentation of Hon. Oyegoke’s latest cooperative book as a gift to the CS, PS, and CCD.
The visit also included meetings with top management officials of the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and visits to two leading SACCOs in Kenya: Nwalimu National and GDC Diary. These interactions provided valuable insights into Kenya’s cooperative sector, showcasing successful models and best practices.
A major highlight of the trip was Hon. Oyegoke’s attendance at the Platform Cooperativism Consortium (PCC) Conference, held from November 6th to 8th at Sarova Whitesand Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya. The conference, themed “Digital Africa Rising,” brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of digital technologies in cooperatives.
Key Takeaways from the PCC Conference:
- Digital Transformation: The conference emphasized the importance of digital transformation in cooperatives, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
- Platform Cooperativism: The event explored the concept of Platform Cooperativism, where stakeholders, not shareholders, control and benefit from online platforms.
- Worker Cooperative Model: The worker cooperative model was identified as a key driver of Platform Cooperatives, promoting fair and dignified working conditions.
- Pan-African Network: The conference aimed to establish a pan-African network of practitioners and policymakers, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Inclusive and Equitable Development: The event emphasized the need for inclusive and equitable development, addressing power imbalances and promoting technological sovereignty.
The PCC Conference provided a unique opportunity for Hon. Oyegoke to engage with global experts and stakeholders, gaining valuable insights to inform Nigeria’s cooperative sector reforms. As Nigeria strives to achieve its economic goals, the lessons learned from this conference will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the country’s cooperative sector.
