Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Saturday called for the collaboration of cooperative societies, urging their leadership to uphold integrity, accountability, dedication, and compassion to drive growth and development.
Sanwo-Olu made this appeal at the grand finale of activities marking the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives on Saturday in Lagos.
The event was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment (MCCTI) in collaboration with the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of MCCTI, Dr Olugbemiga Aina, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of cooperative societies as essential stakeholders in realising sustainable development goals and the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
He called for collaboration with cooperatives to accelerate sustainable development as the state works toward building a greater Lagos and a brighter future for all residents.
He reminded the leadership that they held their positions in trust for members and encouraged them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity.
“As we celebrate this special day, let us recognise the immense potential of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“From reducing poverty to promoting decent work, fostering innovation and enhancing social justice, cooperatives have the power to drive transformative change,” he said.
The governor thanked the cooperative societies operating in Lagos State for their support of his administration and their commitment to the welfare of the people and society.
He said that his administration would continue to partner with cooperatives due to their ability to mobilise people and financial resources, which are central to rapid growth and development.
“Cooperative societies will always be relevant as a medium for bringing government development programs closer to the larger society,” he said.
He noted that the 2024 theme, “Cooperatives: Building A Better Future For All”, highlighted the potential of the Cooperative Movement in driving social, economic and environmental progress.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said that the day aligned with the objectives of the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future with the theme, “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow”.
She highlighted the positive impacts of cooperatives in Lagos State and commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for creating and maintaining an enabling environment for the cooperative movement’s development.
Represented by the Director of Cooperative Services, Mrs Zulikha Ibraheem, Ambrose-Medebem revealed that Lagos State registered 615 new cooperative societies in the past year, adding to the over 3,000 already in existence.
She noted that over 2.6 million cooperatives worldwide employed more than 280 million people, emphasising their crucial role in promoting sustainable development.
“We are confident that the emergence of these new societies will further empower thousands of Lagosians, boost productive activities and expand the state’s economy,” she added.
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In his closing remarks, Dr Olugbemiga Aina, Permanent Secretary, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, thanked lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly, panelists, speakers, and other dignitaries for their participation.
Aina, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Cooperative Services, Mr Omotayo Kazeem, expressed gratitude to the President and Board members of LASCOFED, trustees and members for their contributions. (NAN)
