The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Cooperative Society, reaffirms their mission to repositioning cooperative societies as key drivers of economic sustainability in Kogi State.
The State Commissioner of Commerce & Industry, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu made this known during a one-day workshop training, themed “Towards Repositioning Cooperatives for Sustainable Development,” held at the State Secretariat Conference Hall, Lokoja.
Hon. Shuaibu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hon. Lamidi Salihu, emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and institutional reform in strengthening cooperative operations across the State.
> “The real success of this training lies in how well the knowledge is applied at all cooperative societies in the state. We expect every participant to go back and replicate these principles in their societies,” he charged.
The event, which brought together cooperative leaders, civil servants, and stakeholders was to guide and deepen their knowledge of credit administration, internal governance, and sustainable cooperative practices.
The workshop which featured two technical sessions, opened with the first lecture, “Functions of Credit Committee and Supervisory (Audit Committee),” delivered by Director of Admin, Mr. Ejeh Michael, who highlighted the essential roles these internal organs play in upholding transparency, accountability, and effective financial monitoring within cooperative societies.
The second lecture, “Cooperative Credit Administration for Sustainable Development,” by Director of Cooperatives, Alh. Tenimu Momoh, traced the historical roots of cooperative practices and emphasized their relevance in addressing grassroots economic challenges.
Momoh stressed the benefits of cooperative credit societies, including fostering savings culture, supporting rural development, shielding members from loan sharks, and ensuring equal voting rights among members.
While drawing attention to persistent challenges such as election of poor leaders, multiple loan-taking by members across societies, fraudulent delegates, and inadequate recordkeeping, the Director warned that without reforms in leadership and management, such cooperatives risk stagnation.
Furthermore, the Hon. Commissioner emphasized the need for continuous training, urging all cooperative leaders to apply the knowledge gained to drive reforms in their societies.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Sam Adejo Odiniya, SSA on Cooperatives, commended the facilitators for their efforts and reiterated the importance of innovation and accountability in modern cooperative systems. He noted that the workshop reflects the vision of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has consistently encouraged public officers to contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.
Hon. Odiniya further revealed that plans are underway to harmonize and digitalize all cooperative societies with a centralized credit portal to allow cooperative managers verify the credit status of members to reduce incidents of multiple borrowing, while also stressing that technology must be used proactively to prevent fraudulent practices within the system.
The training workshop once again, reaffirmed the State Government’s resolve to use the cooperative framework as a strategic tool for sustainable economic growth. With improved internal governance, ethical leadership, and credit discipline, Kogi is poised to unlock greater opportunities for all cooperative societies in the State.
Seated at the high table were:
– Hon. Lamidi Salihu – Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Industry
– Mr. Ejeh Michael – Director, Admin
– Mrs. Bosede Micah – Director of Finance & Accounting
– Alh. Tenimu Momoh – Director, Cooperative
– Hon. Sam Adejo Odiniya – SSA on Cooperative
– Mr. Akowe Yakubu – Director of Commerce
Taiye Bayode
Information Officer
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
