The Commissioner for Commerce, lndustry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun has encouraged the cooperative practitioners especially, managers and secretaries to increase their capacities for effective performance and sustainability of cooperative operation in the State.
Ademuwagun gave the task in Akure during a one day seminar organised by the Ondo State Cooperative Federation (ODSCOFED) for the cooperative societies in the tertiary institutions, Ministries,Departments and Agencies.
While describing the Cooperative College as the research and training arm of the Ministry, the Commissioner urged the cooperators to attend the College to acquire more technical knowledge for effective management of cooperative societies in the State.
He said it became imperative for cooperative societies to tap into opportunities at the Ondo State Cooperative College for further training and alignment with the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON) to promote professionalism and consistency in the sector.
According to the him, the seminar
was aimed at repositioning the cooperative sector in line with government policy of developing participatory cooperative institutions for self help, income generation, job creation and improved socio-economic lives of members.
He stated that the seminar themed “Effective Financial Management for Sustainable Cooperative Development,” focused on capacity building, financial discipline, and aligning cooperative practices with global standards.
He commended the ODSCOFED for its proactive efforts, describing the initiative as essential for repositioning the cooperative movement.
He, however, warned against malpractice within cooperative societies, including the failure to hold Annual General Meetings, property acquisition without due process and poor loan management.
He stressed the importance of transparency, urging cooperative societies to strictly adhere to the extant cooperative laws and bye-laws.
He admonished farmers, artisans, traders, to emulate civil servants by joining cooperative societies, pointing out the financial support and business advantages in its membership.
Earlier in his address, the President of ODSCOFED, Chief Sunday Olorungbeja, commended the State Government and the Ministry for their unflinching support.
Olorungbeja described the seminar as a critical milestone, especially following the recent election of a new Board at the federation’s 11th Congress, adding that education, training, and information were at the heart of the cooperative movement.
The President described the workshop as a significant step towards boosting management practices and accountability.
Aderonke Adewumi
Press Officer
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services
