BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said that the revamping of cooperative societies would ensure empowerment and prosperity for Nigerians, and make the sector part of the One Trillion US Dollar Economy within the decade.

Abdullahi stated this during the flag-off ceremony of the national training/workshop for trustees, management committee, and managers of cooperative societies in Nigeria for the South-East and South-South Cooperative Stakeholders Forum, held at Federal Cooperative College, Oji-River, Enugu State.

In a statement by the assistant director of information in the ministry, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the minister noted that the largest cooperatives globally is about 300 and, they generate a total turnover of $2.4 trillion, which highlights their crucial role in driving economic growth and social development.

He added that cooperative societies also play a significant role in reducing hunger and alleviating poverty worldwide, while contributing 35 per cent to the global cooperative asset base and turnover.

Abdullahi noted that the expected outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) includes; Review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act N98 LFN 2004, to align with current realities, especially as it relates to technology, development and launching of a New National Policy for Cooperative Development & Growth 2025, establishing a national regulatory framework and standard operating guidelines for cooperatives in Nigeria, and facilitating the establishment of a Bank for Cooperative Societies that would be solely owned and governed by cooperators themselves to serve their needs, among others.

He stated that the days of fake cooperative societies were gone, and measures were being taken to bring sanity, noting that the National Council on Cooperative Affairs would be convened soon to bring synergy, collaboration and partnership with the states’ cooperative ecosystem.

In his remarks, the Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Dr.Jude Ejikeme stated that the workshop provides a platform, not just for an intensive training for the participants but also, for key cooperative stakeholders from the South-East and South-South geo-political zones to interact with our dynamic and most versatile minister in charge of Cooperative Affairs, share their views, and of course, offer opinions on the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme.

He added that ‘’we hope to gain valuable insights into what our stakeholders expect from the government to facilitate cooperative development within their zones and Nigeria’’.

He also pointed out that the knowledge shared will focus not only on the core principles of cooperative management but also on the critical skills needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.

Highlights of the event was the inspection of the Cooperative College by the Hon. Minister of State and unveiling of four vehicles, namely (1) Coaster Bus, (1)18 Seater bus, (2) Hilux Utility for the college.