From Moshood Karim
Benin City came alive this weekend as Edo State commemorated the 30th International Day of Cooperatives (#CoopsDay), recognized by the United Nations, and the 102nd International Cooperative Day as deemed by the International Cooperative Alliance.
This year’s theme, “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All,” highlights the critical role of cooperatives in fostering international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.
The celebrations, organized by the Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives in collaboration with Edo Cooperative Federation , began on July 5 with a road walk through major roads, culminating at the State Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road with an exhibition. The event aimed to raise awareness about the significance of cooperatives and their contributions to the community.
The grand finale and award ceremony on Saturday saw a gathering of cooperative societies from across the State.
Deputy Governor Engr. Omobayo Godwins, represented by Mr. Austine Otas, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of cooperative societies. “Cooperative societies are the lifeline of our larger society,” he stated.
“They provide a platform for people to pool resources, save for the future, and achieve great things, especially for civil and public servants.”
Mr. Otas praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support of cooperative societies in Edo State. “The governor has transformed the civil and public service sectors, making the business environment conducive. Workers receive their salaries on time, enabling them to save and plan for the future,” he said.
He urged cooperators to adhere to their rules and regulations for improved service delivery.
Hon. Patrick Iria Uanseru, Commissioner for the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, in a welcome address, honoured the global contributions of cooperatives.
“As we celebrate, let us be inspired to collaborate and raise awareness about the role of cooperatives in achieving our State’s Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
He highlighted Edo State’s strides in leveraging technology to enhance cooperative activities.
“We have digitized and automated the registration process, allowing new cooperatives to register and receive certificates without delay. We are training trustees and members in using technology to manage cooperatives, thereby improving the ease of doing business in the State,” Hon. Uanseru added.
He revealed that over 1,050 participants from 77 cooperative societies have received training and education through the revitalized Department of Cooperatives.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of awards to deserving cooperatives and individuals, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the cooperative movement.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Besiness, Trade and Cooperative, Mrs. Bose Igbinobaro emphasize the importance of Cooperative societies which made the United Nations to set a day aside for its commemoration.
At a panel discussion, Chairman, Edo State Chapter of Association of Non-Bank Microfinance Institutions of Nigeriia, Dr. Osarenren Aigienohuwa while speaking on the topic Risk Management in Cooperative, emphasized the need for Cooperative societies to elect credible and competent people to manage their affairs.
“We need to look at the people charged with the administration of Cooperative societies. When wrong set of persons are elected, there will be crisis. We have seen Cooperatives where leaders embezzled money running into hundreds of millions of naira and getting it back becomes difficult.”
As Edo State celebrated this significant day, it reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cooperative societies and building a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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