Oyo state house of assembly has engaged cooperative societies in the state in a stakeholders’ consultative meeting to form an action plan for enhanced productivity of the societies.
The meeting which was organized by the house committee on commerce and cooperatives to gather inputs from stakeholders towards an action plan for government’s interventions, was a fallout of a motion earlier presented by the majority leader, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin towards repositioning cooperative societies
In an address, commissioner for trade, investment, industry and commerce, Mr Demola Ojo disclosed that the present administration was working towards organizing a cooperative Submit that would usher in government’s investment in the societies for better performances among traders, artisans and farmers
Mr Ojo who said the government is presently capturing cooperative societies in the state said government would leverage on their numerical strength to further impact the lives of residents.
He explained that the action plan when implemented would make Oyo state gain global recognition but said government must be involved in the training, promotion and sustainance of cooperative societies, especially for traders and artisans.
Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the house, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin urged political office holders and individuals to consider using trade and artisans’ cooperative societies to drive their empowerment programmes.
Some of the stakeholders including the president, Oyo state cooperative federation, Mr. Adegoke Olusegun and Provost, Federal College of Cooperatives, Ibadan, Dr Sunday Oyeleye advocated yearly government intervention funds and grants, strong cooperative financial institution, resuscitation of state’s cooperative college, Ilora and review of by-laws, to protect both borrowers and guarantors.
Earlier in a welcome address, chairman, Oyo assembly committee on commerce and cooperatives, Mr Rasak Mabaje expressed confidence that the consultative forum would birth meaningful impact on artisans, traders, farmers and their immediate communities.
