Lagos rolls out plans for International Cooperative Day

The Lagos State Government has begun a week-long programme to mark the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives, reaffirming its commitment to leveraging cooperative as a catalyst for economic empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable peace.

At a news conference at Alausa, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), unveiled the programme for the celebration, to run from Wednesday, July 1, to Sunday, July 5, 2026, under the global theme: “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.”

Represented by Babatunde Onigbanjo, permanent secretary, MCCTI, Ambrose-Medebem stated that the celebration, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED), aligns Lagos State with the global cooperative community in promoting the immense contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development and peaceful societies.

“The annual observance provides an important platform for increasing public awareness of the cooperative model and its impact on economic development, poverty reduction, employment generation, social justice and community resilience.
“This year’s theme highlights the unique role of cooperative societies in fostering harmony, mutual understanding and inclusive economic growth by bringing people together around shared economic and social aspirations,” said.

According to her, cooperative societies in Lagos State continue to empower members through access to affordable credit, entrepreneurship development, housing initiatives, agricultural support programmes and social welfare schemes, interventions she affirmed have significantly contributed to reducing economic hardship while creating an environment that promotes peace and prosperity.

The commissioner said that the ministry has intensified efforts to reposition the cooperative movement as a strategic vehicle for socio-economic development and peace-building across the state, adding that many of these achievements will be showcased during the celebration.

“As Lagos joins the global cooperative family in commemorating the International Day of Cooperatives, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more prosperous, inclusive and peaceful society through the cooperative model. We encourage all cooperators across the state to participate fully in the activities lined up and appeal to the media to continue partnering with us in amplifying the impact of the cooperative movement,” she noted.

Oladipo Sobule, president of Lagos State Cooperatives Federation (LASCOFED), said:
“In celebrating the day, LASCOFED will be unveiling its approved Cooperative Radio established to further amplify and deepen cooperatives knowledge and practice among residents in the state. I want to appeal to the state government to also take advantage of the extensive structure of LASCOFED for the deployment and implementation of its humanitarian programmes for wider impact,” he said.

Activities lined up for the celebration include Road Show across the 24 cooperative area offices in Lagos State; Christian and Muslim prayer sessions, and a grand finale on Saturday, July 4, to be chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as special guest at the LASCOFED Multipurpose Hall, which also features an exhibition of products.