Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Partnership with Cooperative Societies, Emphasises Data-Driven Development

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement through enhanced collaboration, proper data management and sustained engagement with cooperative stakeholders, as part of efforts to deepen economic growth and improve the welfare of cooperators across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Oyo State Cooperative Federation Limited (OSCOFED), led by its President, Chief Segun Adegoke, alongside its Leader, His Royal Highness, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, on a courtesy visit to his office at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu appreciated the delegation for its goodwill, support and commendation of Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration, particularly on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government without the payment of ransom, as well as the State Government’s investment in security through the procurement of a surveillance aircraft.

The Commissioner noted that the present administration remains committed to supporting cooperative development but stressed that effective planning and access to Government interventions must be driven by accurate statistics and credible data.

He charged the Executive Secretary of OSCOFED, Mr. Egbeyale Francis, and other cooperative leaders to ensure comprehensive documentation of cooperative societies and farmers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State, explaining that such information would enable Government to adequately capture cooperators in intervention programmes.

According to him, several agricultural support initiatives of the Oyo State Government, including fertilizer distribution, tractorisation support, seedlings, agricultural loans through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) and the SAfER Programme, are accessible through established Government channels and require proper registration and submission of beneficiaries’ data.

Professor Adelabu further stated that the Ministry would continue to work closely with OSCOFED and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the cooperative sector, while encouraging continuous engagement with Government through the appropriate channels for the advancement of cooperative societies in Oyo State.

On the proposed 2026 International Cooperative Day Celebration, the Commissioner welcomed the Federation’s plans for the annual event and assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to liaise with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate Government participation in line with official schedules and protocols.

He reiterated that his administration would maintain an open-door policy, foster stronger synergy with cooperative societies and work towards building a vibrant cooperative sector capable of contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel, described cooperative societies as dependable vehicles for economic empowerment and wealth creation. Drawing from his personal experience as a former employee of Nigerian Breweries Plc, he said cooperative societies had significantly contributed to his personal development and expressed confidence that the concerns presented by OSCOFED would receive the necessary attention through the appropriate Government channels.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, the President of OSCOFED, Chief Segun Adegoke, congratulated the Honourable Commissioner on his appointment and commended the Oyo State Government for its achievements in security and good governance.

He described cooperative societies as dependable partners in community development, financial inclusion and agricultural productivity, while appealing for greater collaboration and support to strengthen cooperative activities, especially in the areas of agricultural financing, affordable farm inputs and access to intervention programmes.

Chief Adegoke also informed the Commissioner of the Federation’s preparations for the 2026 International Cooperative Day celebration across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s continued cooperation with the cooperative movement.

Also speaking, the Leader of OSCOFED, His Royal Highness Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, highlighted the historical contributions of cooperative societies to the socio-economic development of Oyo State and Nigeria. He appealed for stronger institutional collaboration between Government and cooperative societies, noting that cooperatives remain strategic partners in employment generation, agricultural development and grassroots economic empowerment.

As a mark of appreciation and goodwill, the leadership of OSCOFED presented a specially designed roll-up banner bearing the portrait of the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, to commemorate the visit and reaffirm their commitment to a cordial working relationship with the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, Directors and other management staff of the Ministry were also in attendance.