The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), Mrs. Lola Akande, has commended Cooperative Societies in the State for their strength and resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant challenges.
The Commissioner gave the commendation at a press conference held at Alausa on Tuesday to herald the activities organised by the State government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Co-operative Federation (LASCOFED), to mark the Y2021 International Day of Cooperatives with the theme “Rebuilding Better Together”.
Akande, while describing Cooperatives as enterprises founded on ethics, values and principles, informed that the International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on the first Saturday in July every year as established by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and embraced by the United Nations (UN) to increase awareness on Cooperatives and promote the movement’s successes and ideals of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality and World peace.
She said, “This year’s celebration will be the 27th International Day of Cooperatives and the 99th International Cooperative Day. This year’s theme was chosen in consonance with today’s reality of the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to mitigate its devastation”.
The Commissioner averred that the cooperative movement in Lagos State is the most vibrant in the country, stressing that the members have been able to rise above the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic in most areas.
According to her, “In Lagos State, there are about 2359 Cooperative Societies with a membership of about two million people and an asset base of over N33 billion. This underscores Lagos State’s contribution to the Global Cooperative Movement”.
While noting that the Cooperative Societies in the State have embarked on various community projects as part of their contributions to the society, the Commissioner maintained that the International Day serves as an opportunity to showcase the achievements of cooperative societies with a view to motivating other societies to work assiduously for successful achievements and establishment of more cooperative societies.
Akande further stated that the MCIC has worked tirelessly with the Ministry of Justice to review the Cooperative Law for a new and improved law that encapsulates cooperative activities, while meting out commensurate and appropriate sanctions to those who flout the law.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unflinching support and assistance to Cooperatives in Lagos State. He also appreciated the immense contributions of the Board of Lagos State Co-operative Federation (LASCOFED) to the success of cooperatives in Lagos.
In his remarks, President, LASCOFED, Barrister Oladipo Shobule, assured the Ministry of a continued symbiotic working relationship for the betterment of cooperative societies in the State.
Some of the activities lined up to mark the Y2021 International Day of Cooperatives include the commissioning of some projects in Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry and Ikeja on Thursday, July 1st; Jumat Service at Alausa Community Mosque on Friday, July 2nd; A panel discussion on “Rebuilding Better Together” on Saturday, July 3rd; exhibition by MSME cooperators and a thanksgiving service at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday, July 4th, 2021.
