LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin - Lagos marks International Day of Cooperatives
By Oyebola Owolabi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described cooperative societies as having the potential to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in reducing poverty, promoting decent work, fostering innovation and enhancing social justice.
According to him, Cooperatives have the power to drive transformative change, and so will always be relevant as medium for bringing government’s development programme closer to the larger society.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the grand finale of the 30th International Day of Cooperatives, and the 102nd International Cooperative Day to be celebrated by the Cooperative Movement. The theme for the 2024 celebration is ‘Cooperatives: Building a Better Future for All’.
According to the governor, the theme highlights the potentials of the Cooperative Movement at driving social, economic, and environmental progress. “By pooling resources and fostering collaboration among members, Cooperatives can amplify individual efforts, mitigate risks, and generate collective benefits for all stakeholders,” he noted.
The governor said his administration is interested and will advocate for partnerships as a means of accelerated sustainable development because of its ability to mobilise people and financial resources, both of which are central to any development.
The governor’s address, read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Olugbemiga Aina, reads: “Cooperative Societies will always be relevant as medium for bringing government’s development programme closer to the larger society. This is crucial when we understand that government alone cannot provide all that is required to address the challenges associated with sustainable development. By strengthening the Cooperative Movement through multi-stakeholder partnerships, our administration can facilitate additional financial resources and expertise to empower a greater number of people and boost development.
“Cooperative Societies are major stakeholders in Lagos State and their services are at the core of our administration’s focus, as highlighted in our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, which focuses on transforming our dear State into a modern economic powerhouse. The 4th Pillar of the Agenda particularly strives to Make Lagos A 21st Century Economy. We firmly believe that the Cooperative Movement will play a vital role in achieving this vision.
“We are actively working to create an enabling environment for Cooperatives to thrive. We understand that Cooperatives can be a strong driver of poverty alleviation, job creation, economic growth, and community empowerment. With Cooperatives as our partners, we aim to stimulate investments, harness local talents, and develop a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”
The governor also admonished leaders of Cooperatives to ‘make integrity, accountability, dedication, and compassion their watchwords. You are holding your position in trust for members, and I encourage you to discharge the responsibilities of your office with Godly fear’.
Commissioner for the Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, represented by the Director of Cooperative Services, Mrs. Zulikha Ibraheem, noted that the International Cooperative Day is celebrated annually to increase awareness on Cooperatives, \strengthen and extend partnerships between the International Cooperative Movement, governments and other stakeholders. ‘The Day also recognises and re-affirms the role of Cooperatives in socio-economic and cultural development, as well as the realisation of social policy development objectives’.
“Thus, the theme aligns with the objectives of the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future themed ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’.
“With over 2.6 million cooperatives worldwide, employing more than 280 million people, cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development,” the commissioner noted.
She added: “Without doubt, the Cooperative identity, values, and principles set a strong system for achieving the SDGs and, through the 2024 celebration, cooperatives will showcase their huge potentials for inclusive and sustainable growth and serve as stewards for protecting the environment and fighting climate change.
“Through dialogue, democratic governance, and shared ownership, cooperatives can set an example for peace and stability, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together on equal terms and fostering mutual understanding and respect.”
The commissioner reiterated the government’s determination to continue to make the environment conducive for Cooperatives to thrive.
She added: “The Sanwo-Olu administration is creating and maintaining an enabling environment for the development of the Cooperative Movement. It is also fostering stronger Cooperative Societies through injection of technology in management, and improved monitoring and regulatory functions.
“I am therefore glad to announce that the efforts of the administration continue to boost the growth of cooperative practices in the state. This is reflected in the registration of 615 new Societies in the last one year. This figure has added to over 3,000 societies already in existence. We are confident that the coming of these new societies will further empower thousands of Lagosians, boost productive activities and expand the State’s economy.”
Highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to deserving cooperatives. Chevron Employees CMS Ltd won the ‘Star Project Award’, Ikorodu North MCU Ltd won ‘Most Outstanding Union’. Oshodi Isolo Excel CMS Ltd won ‘Best Managed Cooperative Society’ (Industry based) while Afenifere CMS Ltd won ‘Best Managed’ (Community-based).
The ‘Most Outstanding Cooperative Society (Community-Based) went to The Medicals CMS Ltd while the ‘Most Innovative Cooperative Society’ went to Pharmaton 693 CMS Ltd.
