Absence of Cooperative Laws, Remittances and Insecurity Are Bane of Cooperative Societies in Plateau State
Numerous Challenges have been attributed to the hindrance of effective cooperative societies’ activities in Plateau State.
The PLASCOFED President/National Treasurer, Mrs Hannatu Paul Mershak, made the statement in Jos, during the 2023 International Cooperative Day celebration.
The Day is set aside by the United Nations and celebrated every first Saturday of July.
The theme for this Year is: “Cooperatives for Sustainable Development”.
The President decried obsolete acts/absence of State Laws, delayed remittances of some primary Cooperative deductions by some employers.
Insecurity among others, had posed a very serious challenge to the Cooperative Movement in Plateau State.
She said despite the challenges, Cooperative Societies in the State have remained resolute in expanding their participation in economic activities.
Cooperatives have been consciously involved in the growth and development of the economy in the State by providing loans to her members at affordable interest rates to develop and expand their businesses. Cooperative Societies, according to the President, have established various businesses in the area of Housing, Water Factories, Commodity Shops, Printing Press, Agriculture and many more.
Also speaking at the event, the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria and International Cooperative Alliance – Africa, High Chief
Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola said he came to Jos since last three days and he is enjoying the hospitality of the Government and People of Plateau State.
I have had the opportunity of going out to many States in Nigeria, the kind of reception we received from the Governor of Plateau State, we have never received such anywhere in this country.
The President said that the Governor promised to overhaul Cooperative system in Plateau State.
The Governor was investiture as the Patron of Cooperative Movement in Nigeria.
He said that the theme is inline with the crucial role of Cooperative in sustainable development in Nigeria.
The Cooperative Societies are playing a major role in poverty reduction and job creation. No wonder, the Cooperative Society aligned itself with the targets of Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction, food security, gender disparity among others. And with the removal of fuel subsidy in the country, the best platform Government needs to partner and boost the economy of Nigeria is Cooperative Societies.
According to him, Cooperative Societies have contributed significantly in different sectors of the economy such as Agriculture, Financial Sectors and that Cooperative is indispensable partner for sustainable development in the country and with the increase in population, by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, hence, Cooperative is the antidote to sustain the economy.
In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Fidelis Daboer, congratulated the Cooperatives for the day and said Cooperatives have been the viable platforms that Government uses to distribute social services to the various communities and there is need for more sensitisation in the State for people to establish more Cooperative Societies.
His Ministry will continue to support all Cooperative activities through her policies and programs.
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, through his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, said right from inception of human society, Cooperative has been in existence and with the advancement in the society, people also have societal needs hence, the formation of Cooperative Societies to benefit her members and improve their living conditions to make society a better place.
To complement the effort of the Cooperative Societies, the Governor said they will ensure that salaries are paid promptly and Government is doing everything humanly possible to pay the arrears of salaries.
Highlights of the event was the exhibition of various items produced by the various Cooperative Societies.
The Guests were also thrilled with a match pass by over 40 Cooperative Societies that participated ranging from Local Governments, State, Federal Agencies Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Private and Community Cooperatives.
An Award for selfless service to the nation was presented to the President – CFN/ICA-Africa.
