Lagos State Government Commends Lagos Co-operative With The Theme “Rebuilding Better Together”

The Hon, commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives in Lagos State Dr. Mrs. Lola Akande;  commended cooperative societies in the state for their strength and resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant challenges.

A press conference was held at Alausa on Tuesday to herald the activities organized by the State government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Co-operative Federation (LASCOFED), to mark the Y2021 International Day of Cooperatives with the theme “Rebuilding Better Together”.

Noting that cooperative societies are enterprises founded on ethics, values and principles, the Commissioner revealed that the International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on the first Saturday in July every year as established by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and embraced by the United Nations (UN) to increase awareness on Cooperatives and promote the movement’s successes and ideals of international solidarity, economic growth, social justice, and human development. The Commissioner of Cooperative and Investment in Lagos State, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Akinsanya, has said that the cooperative movement in Lagos is the most vibrant in the country, adding that its members have been able to rise above the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooperative associations in Lagos State account for 2359 societies with a membership of about two million people and a capital base valued at over N33 billion.

The International Day of Cooperatives was established to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of co-operatives worldwide to economic and social development.

The day also recognizes the cooperative principles of “self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity”. In addition, it also stresses that cooperatives are businesses owned by their members who actively participate in shaping their business decisions and culture.