Youths Urged to Embrace Cooperatives for Sustainable Future

‘WE ARE CHANGE-MAKERS OF TODAY’ BADEJO ADEYEMI – OGUN STATE YOUTH PRESIDENT RALLIES SUPPORT FOR YOUTH COOPERATIVES

Youths in Ogun State have been strongly encouraged to embrace the cooperative model as a sustainable solution to unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.

This call was made at the 2025 Ogun State Youth Cooperative Seminar, held on Wednesday, April 9, at the Oba K. O. Olubiyi Conference Hall, Tayo Sobanjo Building, Cooperative House, Asero, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Organized by the Ogscofed Youth Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited., the seminar brought together young cooperators, mentors, and stakeholders under the theme: “A Better World Through Cooperatives: Eternal Relevance and Youth Empowerment.”

Representing the Director of Cooperative Services in Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, Pastor Sam Mustapha ficp, Mr. Oluyemi Sorunke ficp, officially declared the seminar open. In his address, he educated the participants on the relevance and values of cooperatives, charging them to embrace the spirit of leadership and development.

“Youths must see themselves as tomorrow’s cooperative leaders, today. Embrace the slogan – ‘Youth Cooperative Leaders of Tomorrow’ – and begin to act in ways that secure the future of our cooperative movement,” he said.

Adding depth to the seminar, Alhaji Braheem Fattah ficp, Provost of Ogun State Cooperative College, Ijeja, Abeokuta, congratulated the organizers for the vision and execution of such a timely event. He began by breaking down the Yoruba cooperative slogan, “Alajẹsẹku emi ò ní bajẹ́,” which he interpreted as a deep-rooted philosophy of collective survival and mutual growth.

“Human existence itself is anchored on cooperation,” he said. “But beyond slogans, I challenge every young cooperator here—what have you achieved since joining your society? The results you see are a reflection of the energy and commitment you bring into it.”

Alhaji Braheem Fattah ficp, further urged youth cooperators to take advantage of the upcoming training on renewable energy, which will be organized by Prestige Diamond Nigeria Limited, a key partner committed to empowering young cooperators with sustainable skills for the future.

The President of Ogun State Youth Cooperative, Badejo Adeyẹmi AMCP delivered a powerful keynote speech that set the tone for the day. He called on Ogun youths to embrace the cooperative model as a driving force for leadership, innovation, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the seminar, Adeyemi emphasized that the youth must take the lead in shaping their futures through the cooperative movement.

“Today is more than a gathering; it is a movement of ideas, innovation, leadership, and transformation anchored in the spirit of cooperatives. We are here because we believe that youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today,” Adeyemi said.

Reflecting on a global initiative, Adeyemi pointed out the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. He noted that the global theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” aligns with the local focus on youth engagement and empowerment through cooperative enterprises.

“It emphasizes the power of cooperatives in fostering inclusive and prosperous societies—especially through youth engagement,” Adeyemi stressed.

He also announced an exciting opportunity for Ogun youths: “In May 2025, Prestige Diamond Nigeria Limited will organize a one-week intensive training on renewable energy for young cooperators in Ogun State. I strongly encourage all youth members to attend. The training is completely free and aims to equip us with practical skills that can open doors to entrepreneurship and economic independence.”

In his concluding remarks, Badejo Adeyemi AMCP called for further government support, urging the OGUN STATE Government to implement programs that would assist youth cooperatives, including grants and skill acquisition initiatives tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs.

“Investment in youth cooperatives is an investment in Ogun State’s economic future and community well-being,” he declared.

Mr. Otinwa Lanre Abraham ficp, President of Ike – Oluwa Sagamu Cooperative Multipurpose Union Limited and CEO Ola Cooperative Foundation – OCF followed with his keynote address, emphasizing that cooperatives are not outdated institutions but revolutionary tools for creating sustainable futures.

“Cooperatives are not relics of the past; they are blueprints for a resilient tomorrow,” he said.

He shared success stories from Africa, such as Kenya’s Youth Bunge and South Africa’s Siyavuna Cooperative, demonstrating how youth cooperatives have become catalysts for job creation, food system improvements, and bridging the digital divide.

“From Kenya to Rwanda and from Kaduna to Akure, young people are using cooperatives to create jobs and address local challenges,” Otinwa remarked.

Alhaji Abdulwasiu Olaleye, President of Ogun State Co-operative Federation Limited, who served as Chief Host, reaffirmed the organization’s support for youth-led cooperative initiatives. He charged Nigeria youths to embrace cooperative societies as viable tools for social and economic transformation, especially tackling unemployment and poverty.

Olaleye Tunde reiterated the organization’s commitment to deepening youth involvement in the cooperative movement.

“Cooperatives remain one of the most inclusive and democratic models of enterprise. The youth must take ownership and shape it for their future,” he asserted.

Mr. Abiodun Paul Okosulubo, President of OGSCOFED Staff CTCS Ltd., educated attendees on the different cooperative models that youths can explore to build wealth and leadership experience.

A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of Interim Branch Youth Coordinators and Secretaries, with responsibilities that include:

Creation of WhatsApp groups for each branch

Scheduling of regular virtual and physical meetings

Presentation of newly appointed leaders to the OGSCOFED President

Establishment of branch youth cooperatives by June 2025

Virtual meeting of branch leaders in April 2025

State executive meeting in May 2025

The Chairman 2025 Ogun State Youth Cooperative Seminar Communique Committee, Mr. Kolawole Olabode presented the seminar communiqué, summarizing the key resolutions, youth action plans, and collaborative strategies for the cooperative youth network.

Other dignitaries present included Hon. Omelaja Ayodele Nurudeen, President Tireni Oluwa Bonojo Ijebu Ode CMU and Oluwafoyinsayemi Mobegelu Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited – OFSAM; Mr. Emmanuel Adeoluwa, HR OGSCOFED Ltd and Mrs. Ajeigbe Ifeoluwa from OGSCOFED Ltd and the Pioneer, boalongside representatives from various local and state-level cooperative bodies.

The seminar successfully reaffirmed the role of youth in shaping the future of cooperatives while empowering them with knowledge, mentorship, and access to transformative opportunities.

Participants were also exposed to key highlights of the cooperative movement including access to finance, cooperative values, leadership development, sustainable development, and continuous relevance.