ABIODUN RESTATES GOVT’s COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT

The commitment of present administration at strengthening cooperative movement through effective policy frameworks, capacity building and financial incentives is an avenue to boost the state micro economy.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, while declaring open the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives Conference, organised by the State onCooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives with the theme, “Cooperative Build a Better Future for All”.

 Governor Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the contributions of cooperative movement to the socio-economic development cannot be over emphasized, lauding cooperative societies for exemplifying people-centred enterprises characterised by a unique and democratic structure that empowers individuals to achieve their economic aspirations.

The governor stated that his administration had cleared all outstanding cooperative deductions owed to various organisations, adding that deductions were now being paid simultaneously alongside the salaries.He noted that essential financing institutions were needed for cooperative societies in the state, to enable them access funding at low interest rates.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun said the state had over 14,000 registered cooperative societies, which had bridged the gap of accessing wealth creation and distribution among various members and stakeholders, towards improved well-being of the people in the state.

Earlier in his address, the President, OGSCOFED, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, said the conference was organised, to enable stakeholders deliberate on the best practices in the industry with a view to driving sustainable change in cooperatives, lauding Governor Abiodun for his supports to enhance cooperative landscape.

In his goodwill message, the President of National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Oye, represented by the Director General, Mr. Sola Obadimu, who highlighted the roles of cooperatives societies in nation building, said the association was interested in driving the initiative of cooperative societies.

Highlights of the opening ceremony include, decoration of Governor Abiodun as the Grand Patron of Ogun State Cooperatives Movement, among others.