Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives has begun International Cooperatives Day 2023 set aside to celebrate Cooperators and Cooperative Movement for their invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday at the conference room of the ministry in Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya, stated that the annual celebration is in line with the global practice of cooperatives worldwide since 1923, adding that this year’s event, which marks the 101st edition, is the 29th to be recognised by the United Nations.
She said, “Cooperative movement is more relevant than ever in overcoming the developmental challenges of today and the coming decades. Cooperatives offer the chance of ending economic deprivation, secure social inclusion, and reconciling economic and social objectives. The movement can create wealth for the poor, generate jobs for millions of unemployed the world over, check poverty and hunger, and above all, achieve global prosperity.
“Cooperatives are vehicles for collaborative partnership and prosperity for all, which contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability across regions and economic sectors. It is inherent among cooperatives to safeguard community relations, enhance local resources, advocate social responsibility, and adopt sustainable and long-term business practices.”
Reeling out the activities of the week which starts on Wednesday, August 23, Ososanya noted, among other things, that there will be the unveiling of “Concern for Community Projects in the three Senatorial Districts of the state on Thursday, August 24, 2023.”
