Lagos State Government has kicked off International Cooperatives Day 2023 set aside to celebrate Cooperators and Cooperative Movement for their invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the State, with the theme: “Cooperatives: Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development”.
Addressing a Press Conference on Tuesday at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Alausa – Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya, FCA, stated that the annual celebration is in line with the global practice by Cooperatives worldwide since 1923. She said this year’s event, which marks the 101st edition, is actually the 29th to be recognised by the United Nations.
Her words: “Cooperative Movement is more relevant than ever in overcoming the developmental challenges of today and the coming decades. Cooperatives offer the chance to end economic deprivation, secure social inclusion, and reconcile economic and social objectives. The Movement can create wealth for the poor, generate jobs for millions of unemployed the world over, check poverty and hunger, and above all, achieve global prosperity.
“Cooperatives are vehicles for collaborative partnership and prosperity for all, which contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability across regions and economic sectors. It is inherent among Cooperatives to safeguard community relations, enhance local resources, advocate social responsibility, and adopt sustainable and long-term business practices”.
Ososanya affirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu acknowledges the over 3000 Cooperative Societies in the State as significant associations and enterprises through which citizens can effectively improve their lives while contributing to the economic, social and cultural advancement of their communities, State and Nation.
“The administration prioritises effective partnership with the Cooperative Movement. This is why the State Government celebrates Lagos State Cooperators and Cooperative Societies on an annual basis”, she said.
She reeled out the activities of the Week to include the Cooperatives Awareness Walk across Cooperative Area Offices on Wednesday, 23rd August, 2023; commissioning of Concern for Community Projects in the three Senatorial Districts of the State on Thursday, 24th August, 2023; Juma’at Service at Alausa Secretariat Central Mosque on Friday, 25th August, 2023; Panel Discussion, Raffle Draw, Exhibition and Luncheon/Merit Award on Saturday, 26th August, 2023 at the LASCOFED Secretariat of WEMPCO road, Ogba and Thanksgiving Services at Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational), Alausa on Sunday, 27th August, 2023.
President, Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED), Mr. Oladipo Shobule appreciated the State for giving the Cooperative Movement a voice as he described cooperatives in Lagos State as the best because they are well structured and support the government in performing its social obligations to the citizens.
