A call has gone to cooperators across the nation to embrace notable initiative that would enhance job creation and wealth generation in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

          Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made the call in Abeokuta at the 6th National Cooperative Summit Exhibition and Award with the theme: ‘Expanding Cooperative Value System’.

          The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Community Development & Cooperatives, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat said, impact and contributions of cooperatives to the State and national economic development cannot be overemphasised, noting that the body was known for empowering people, as well strengthening the economic power of any given society.

                ‘’It is pertinent to retrace that the theme for the summit is apt, coming at a time the much-cherished value system in families, businesses and the world are being affected due to economic challenges”, he submitted.

           In his address, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, represented by Engr. Abubakar Jubril, said that cooperatives had played strategic roles in the development of the country, particularly in the area of agriculture and exportation of food crops, noting that it had assisted government employees and organised private sector through soft loans and micro credit

       Abubakar highlighted the various areas by which cooperatives enhance socio-economic values as self-help, self-responsibilities, democracy, equity and solidarity, urging the participants to explore the objective of the summit, which includes strategic economic diversification and developing skillful productive youths for cooperative sustainability. 

          On his part, the National President, Cooperatives Federation of Nigeria, Chief Oriyomi Ayeola said Cooperative Society should be sustained by encouraging the younger generation to actively participate in it.

           Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mr. Shuaib Jaja from Niger State, expressed satisfaction on the summit, stating that, it had brought about mutual relationship among ethnic groups.