Abiodun challenges individuals, Cooperative Societies on economic growth

By Oladunni Adedoyin

                

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says individuals and societies can help the economy to grow better when they further tap the opportunities in the critical sectors, such as agriculture, embrace best practices in the management of their affairs and deepen collaboration with the government.

           

Governor Abiodun stated this while speaking at a commemorative event marking the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives at the MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, saying all hands should be on deck to fast-track the process of reversing the negative effects of fuel subsidy removal on the economy and people’s livelihoods.              

         

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Abiodun, who spoke to the theme of the event, “Cooperative: Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development, regarded cooperative societies as formidable entities that promote brotherhood, good neighbourliness, economic freedom and self-realisation.

          

The State helmsman said, “In recognition of the active roles played by Cooperative societies in our economy, particularly in the area of promoting brotherhood, good neighbourliness, economic freedom and self-realisation, our government has facilitated series of programmes aimed at encouraging more people to imbibe the spirit of cooperation and be active participants in both formal and informal sectors of our economy”.

          

Abiodun assured that his government would soon roll out series of measures and palliatives to the people, as well as support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to ease the pains of fuel subsidy removal.

          

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Kolawole Ogunlana, said the societies had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the socio-economic development of the country, adding that State government would continue to contribute its quota to the growth and development of the cooperatives to make them vibrant.

          

In his address, the President, Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye said cooperatives are businesses owned and run by people who share a common goal, have a global impact and human touch, noting that more than 26 percent SMEs have enjoyed credit facilities in the State.

          

Alhaji Olaleye said the Day was aimed at strengthening and improving the cordial relationship between cooperative and other key players in the country, saying it creates awareness at local base, in order to send signal to the local administrator for positive contribution.

          

In his goodwill message, the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Head of Cooperative Movement in Nigeria, High Chief Tajudeen Adeola said the achievements made by cooperative societies were immeasurable, imploring the present government to disburse more funds for the societies, so as to remain active and encourage more contributors and societies to be involved.