Lagos State Government has assured Cooperatives of untiring commitment to strengthen its productivity and increased contribution to the State towards achieving the goal of making Lagos a twenty-first Century economy.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who gave the assurance at the Luncheon /Merit Award in commemoration of the centenary celebration of International Day of Cooperatives in Ogba, commended the Cooperative Societies contribution to the State economy.

He said the centenary anniversary marks the century of bringing to the front burner the relevance and contribution of Cooperatives Societies to wealth creation.

According to him, as a result of consistent commitment to the fundamental philosophy, cooperative movement have become a veritable tool in the fight against poverty and unemployment while also encouraging social integration.

In his words, Cooperative movement globally promotes the spirit of self- reliance and encourages citizens to take responsibility for their economy, social and environmental prosperity.

While speaking on the theme: Cooperative: Build a better world, Sanwo-Olu noted that the theme focuses on charting the course for innovative and sustainable business ecosystem that provide the tools and inputs to the private sector, public authority and consumers when developing new businesses.

He said they have been able to achieve remarkable successes, hence, there is a need to strengthen collective efforts which is critical to sustaining the tempo.

The Governor spoke through Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. Lola Akande said, the International Day of Cooperatives is an occasion to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate the achievements of humanity.

She added, the annual celebration also aim to strengthen and extend partnerships between the International Cooperative Movement and other outfits of social development.

Speaking on the luncheon/Merit Award as the climax of the weeklong celebration, the Commissioner said it is to recognise Cooperators and Cooperatives who have served their respective Societies and communities diligently and conscientiously.

Dr. Akande noted that this year’s theme is in line with the identified economic development pillars of Mr. Governor’s THEMES Agenda: ease of doing business which among others is MAKING LAGOS STATE A 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY (4th pillar) with a view to encourage local entrepreneurship and boost locally made goods.

She added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has continue to create enabling environments such as financial reforms, housing, food security, empowerment and social economic interventions to promote all conceived feasible products productions in the State.

In her words, “With a vibrant and robust Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which Cooperatives can be engaged in the critical sectors of the State, in no doubt, we will have the potential of growing the State’s economy in an exponential triple digit rate annually. This in no doubt will outspread the steady economic growth anticipated by not only the State but the Country at large”.

She said, the celebration is a testimony to the determination of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration to support every genuine efforts and moves that could promote the capability of people in achieving economic and financial prosperity for all and sundry.

The Commissioner, however, commended the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) for its progressive partnership, over the years, with the State government on all Cooperative matters.

In his goodwill address, the President, Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED), Barrister Oladipo Shobule said, Cooperative Societies have dived into various Micro, Medium and Small businesses to provide employment and means of livelihood to Lagosians and also provided access to affordable financing for members.

He added, the services provided by the Federation has made life more comfortable as its effect goes directly into the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State.

The President commended Governor Sanwo-olu for providing Cooperatives with enabling environment to operate and also for assenting to the Lagos State Cooperative Societies Laws 2020.
He said, “the Law in all intents and purposes will make for more virile cooperatives in the State thus making Lagos State the number one cooperative destination in Nigeria.

The Barrister noted that the Cooperative Federation will continue to advocate for more citizens to imbibe cooperation as a veritable tool to reduce poverty, provide employment, eliminate strive and build a more peaceful and better world.

The highlight of the event were the presentation of awards to outstanding Cooperatives Societies and Union.

The category of awardees are: Outstanding Cooperative Leader Male and Female categories, Best Host Organisation, Best managed Society- Community Based, Most managed Society- Industrial based , Most Innovative Cooperative Society , Start Project and Most Outstanding Union

Similarly, Cash prize Vouchers and gifts items such as: Deep Refrigerator, Television Set, Home Theater System Set, Air Conditioners among others were won in a raffle draw sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative and Cooperatives Societies.