The Lagos State Government today commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives, applauding the immense contributions of Cooperative Societies to the socio-economic development and prosperity of the State.

The government is seeking to create an environment in which Cooperative Societies can participate on an equal footing with other forms of enterprise and develop an effective partnership to achieve their respective goals.

To achieve the objective, the government is concerned with providing and ensuring the sustenance of an enabling environment for the development of Cooperative movement.

This is according to Commissioner For Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Dr Lola Akande while speaking on this year’s International Day of Cooperative, themed; Cooperatives: Build A Better World.

She said a robust partnership between the government and Cooperative Movement is germane to the growth of the Sector.

Akande said government recognised the significance of Cooperative Societies, as associations and enterprises through which citizens could effectively improve their lives while contributing to the economic, social, cultural and political advancement of their communities, state and nation.
According to her, government recognises that the Cooperative Movement is highly democratic, locally autonomous but internationally integrated.
Akande noted that government shall celebrate this years’ International Day of Cooperatives in a week-long celebration starting from Today 19th to Sunday 24th July, 2022 due to some exigencies.
She said the day is an occasion where the public are educated on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
The commissioner stated that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Cooperatives: Build a Better World,” is tailored toward the main field of action of the United Nations, such as the maintenance of International peace and security, promotion of sustainable development, protection of human rights, and the guarantee of international law and humanitarian action.
She added the theme is about human-centered business model, which is an innovative sustainable business ecosystem that provided tools and inputs to the private sector, public authority and consumers when developing new businesses.
Akande disclosed that activities lined up to mark the week-long event would include the commissioning of Community Water Borehole project in Alimosho, Ogba and Agege on Thursday, Jumaat Service at the Alausa Central Mosque on Friday while there will be sporting activities the same day.
Others are: School Cooperative Club Debate, Panel Discussion, virtual commissioning of other community projects, raffle draw and luncheon/merit awards ceremony on Saturday.
She added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the Special Guest of Honour at the event, while there would also be inspection of exhibition stands.
The week long programme will be concluded on Sunday, July 24, 2022, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa at 10.00am.
The International Day of Cooperatives is marked by Cooperatives worldwide since 1923 and officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in year 1995. The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in the month of July.