Lagos State government has urged cooperative societies to come up with innovative strategies to further lift millions of Lagosians out of poverty just as it assured of its support to the societies.
“I wish to assure you of the support of the state government as you develop innovative strategies that will enhance your productivity and increase the prosperity of your members,” said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor at the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) 2019 luncheon and merit awards.
The annual event which held last weekend in conjunction with the state ministry of commerce, industry and cooperatives, was to commemorate this year’s international day of cooperatives.
According to Sanwo-Olu, cooperatives are enterprises centred on people and characterised by democratic control which prioritises human development and social justice within the workplace. He noted that cooperatives help to promote employment and decent work in all sectors of the economy.
“Globally, it has been recorded that cooperatives employ or are the main source of income for more than 279 million people,” said Sanwo-Olu.
Represented by Omobolanle Ogunmola, the permanent secretary in the ministry of commerce, industry and cooperatives, the governor stated that the theme of the 2019 celebration, “cooperatives for decent work” was in tune with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 that seek to secure decent work and economic growth, which is aimed at ensuring global citizens have access to decent jobs.
“The cooperative institution is seen as a solution that is not only durable but contemporary, resilient and relevant, and therefore significant in establishing a solid defence of the collective interest and democratization of the entrepreneurial sector,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The international day of cooperatives is celebrated worldwide every year in the first week of July to increase awareness on the cooperative way of life and the inherent socio-economic benefits of working together. This year’s celebration is the 25th United Nations International Day of Cooperatives and the 97th edition by International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) focusing on decent work life.
JOSHUA BASSEY & SEYI JOHN SALAU
