The Odua Cooperative Conglomerate is actively seeking access to international grants and donor funds to bolster the cooperative movement across South-West Nigeria.
The PUNCH reported that this was disclosed by the President of the conglomerate, Chief Felix Ajibode, during a special stakeholders’ gathering held on Tuesday at the Cooperative Building in Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Chief Ajibode noted that the gathering was aimed at deliberating on actionable steps to maximize the potential opportunities presented at the recently concluded World Meets in Giessen Conference, which was hosted by IHK Global in Friberg, Germany.
The global conference brought together representatives from over 150 countries, including Nigeria, India, China, and Brazil.
“The reports I have received from participants from the Cooperative Movements and the benefits therefrom brought about this stakeholders meeting, for us to discuss how best to benefit from the opportunities the conference provides,” Ajibode stated.
Expressing concern over the lack of financial support for cooperatives in recent decades, he lamented that successive governments, military and civilian alike, have failed to prioritize the movement the way it was during the era of the Western Region’s Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Your Excellencies and Honourable Commissioners, the Cooperative Movement since 1952 have been receiving subventions or grants, as the case may be, from the government as of then (Western Nigeria), through the Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“These grants and subventions at the time solidified the foundation of the Cooperative Movement.
“It saddens me to inform you that since the period of the military regime to date, no government of any state has deemed it fit to give grants to cooperative organisations represented by the state federation.
“Consequent upon this and the opportunities the THK Conference provides, it is necessary to look for avenues to access international funds, grants or loans from donor agencies to help move the cooperative forward in South West Nigeria,” he added.
Following deliberations, Chief Ajibode announced the formation of a committee tasked with developing a strategic framework and action plan for the South-West Cooperative Conglomerate.
The committee has been given 30 days to submit its report.
Representing Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Olajide Okesade, assured stakeholders of the governor’s commitment to the development of the movement.
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, represented by the Director of Cooperative Service, Samuel Mustapha—reflected on the historical impact of the cooperative model in the Western Region under Chief Awolowo’s leadership.
He stated, “Through cooperatives, agricultural production was enhanced, employment was generated, and even a cooperative bank was established.”
In a similar vein, Chief Bayo Ogungbangbe, Osun State Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment, affirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke is aligned with initiatives that would ensure the stability and advancement of the cooperative conglomerate.
The event was attended by federation presidents, directors, and key representatives of the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate from states including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
