COOPERATIVES UNITE TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHALLENGES, AND PROMOTES FOOD SECURITY
Lagos, Nigeria — The 2024 Annual Cooperative Unions Retreat, organized by the Management Committees of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, and Shomolu Multipurpose Cooperative Unions, took place from September 27 to September 29 at the Orchid Hotel & Event Centre, Lekki. The event was marked by colorful ceremonies, engaging discussions, and a renewed commitment to cooperative principles and innovation.
This year’s retreat aimed to reinforce global cooperative principles, focusing on cooperation, education, training, and the dissemination of information. The theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All,” emphasized the pivotal role cooperatives play in community empowerment and sustainable development.
The retreat’s central topic, “Cooperative Innovations for Sustainable Food Security,” addressed the urgent global challenges of hunger and food shortages, exacerbated by climate change and population growth. Speaking on the theme, LASCOFED President Barrister Oladipo Shobule noted, “We can no longer rely solely on government interventions to resolve food insecurity. Cooperatives must step up to create comprehensive solutions.”
The event featured high-profile addresses, including a keynote by Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, the Special Guest of Honor and Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security, represented by Hon. Victor Oyegoke. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to cooperatives, highlighting their role in agricultural production, rural development, and economic empowerment under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister stressed the importance of innovative financing models, sustainable agricultural modernization, and capacity building, adding, “We must review existing laws and policies to strengthen the cooperative sector and create a more inclusive ecosystem.”
LASCOFED President Barr. Shobule commended the three cooperative unions for their collaborative spirit in organizing the retreat despite past challenges. He urged participants to extend cooperation beyond the retreat, encouraging unions to explore joint ventures and deepen their collaboration to create a sustainable cooperative economy.
Barr. Shobule also emphasized LASCOFED’s plans to foster partnerships within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, a move aimed at driving bulk-breaking initiatives for the benefit of cooperators in Lagos State. He called on all union presidents to prioritize youth inclusion in cooperative activities, reflecting on the outcomes of the recent 8th National Cooperative Summit.
Alhaja Zulikha O. Ibraheem, Director of Cooperative Services, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to enforcing mandatory insurance on all cooperative loans. This move is expected to provide stronger financial safeguards and ensure sustainability in loan management.
Dr. K.O. Sheidu, a renowned expert in cooperative development, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Cooperative Innovations for Sustainable Food Security for All.” He outlined the urgent need for a shift in food production and distribution systems, emphasizing the power of cooperative innovation to ensure equitable access to nutritious and affordable food.
The retreat featured a variety of engaging activities, including product promotions by major vendors, a health monitoring program, and a gala night with awards. Cooperators also participated in indoor games like table tennis, draught, ludo, and scrabble. Several individuals were honored for their contributions to the cooperative movement:
Leadership and Excellence Awards were presented to Mrs. Temitope Oluwaseun Sikaiye, Hon. Jamiu Lawal, and Mr. Johnson Uwemedimo for their exceptional leadership and dedication.
The Award of Exemplary Service was given to Hon. Victor Oyegoke for his outstanding commitment to advancing the cooperative movement.
The retreat concluded with a strong call to action, urging cooperative societies to work together more closely, adopt innovative practices, and focus on sustainable solutions for food security. As the cooperative movement gears up for 2025, which has been declared the International Year of Cooperatives, participants were encouraged to break from traditional approaches and embrace new strategies to expand membership and showcase the movement’s resilience.
The 2024 Annual Cooperative Unions Retreat was a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of cooperatives in building a better future for all, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
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