THE JOINT MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE UNION (JMCU) HELD A SUCCESSFUL RETREAT.

The Joint Multipurpose Cooperative Union (JMCU) held a successful retreat themed “Cooperative for Sustainable Economy” from June 6-9, 2024, at the Novatel Hotel in Lekki. The event was organized by a consortium of Multipurpose Cooperative Unions namely, Epe, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu South, Oshodi-Isolo, Alausa, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Amuwo Odofin, Ifako Ijaiye, Mushin, Ojo and Women-in-Cooperative.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Alhaji Ismail Shabi, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the retreat, highlighting its significance as the final retreat of the current administration of the various MCU. He praised the enhanced cooperation and economic progress achieved through shared knowledge and ideas. Alhaji Shabi also acknowledged the support of notable leaders, including High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi AYEOLA, the President of Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Barr. Oladipo Shobule, LASCOFED President, and Mr. Omotayo Kazeem, representative of the Director of Cooperative Services from the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Investment.
LASCOFED President Barr. Oladipo Shobule, in his keynote address, urged participants to maximize the retreat’s opportunities for collaboration and networking. He emphasized the importance of cooperatives for members welfare and called for increased support to further the goals of cooperation.
High Chief Oriyomi AYEOLA, CFN/ICA-Africa President, shared his enthusiasm for the retreat, recalling its inception in 2013 during his tenure as LASCOFED President. He stressed the global relevance of cooperatives in addressing economic challenges and called on the Nigerian government to recognize and support cooperative initiatives, drawing parallels to the successful cooperative strategies adopted in the 1950’s by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Southwest Nigeria.
The first lecture, delivered by Mr. Seun Adewuyi, focused on “Strategies for Cooperative Growth and Self-Reliance.” Key points of the lecture included:
• Understanding Cooperatives
• Current State of Cooperatives in Nigeria
• Challenges Faced by Cooperatives
• Strategies for Growth
• Role of Government and Policy Makers in Cooperative Development
• Community Involvement and Local Initiatives
• Building Self-Reliance
Mr. Okunola Usman, an accomplished youth farmer and scholar took participants through the topic “Wealth Creation and Economic Sustainability: Fish Farming in Focus,” The training was practical, thereby providing valuable insights on the trade as he listed the Fish Value chain and urged everyone to see where their interest laid.
The JMCU retreat successfully fostered cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning among cooperative members, reinforcing the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving sustainable economic development in Nigeria.