In a bid to enhance competitiveness on the global stage, the Commissioner for Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, Afishetu Braimoh, has called on cooperative societies in Edo State to step up their performance.
During a two-day training workshop organized by the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives for cooperators in Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts, Braimoh emphasized the need for cooperatives to stay focused on their original objectives.
Highlighting the determination of the Edo State Government to provide a conducive environment for their growth, Braimoh encouraged each cooperative society to establish an empowering purpose that ensures the sustained development of both the cooperative and its members.
Beyond agriculture, the Commissioner advised cooperatives to identify key resources in their localities and strategically develop them, as this would foster capacity-building and long-term growth. Emphasizing the rising global demand for agricultural ventures and products, Braimoh pledged to attract off-takers and buyers for their products.
To further enhance their businesses, Braimoh announced that more training sessions would be held for various cooperatives, with development partners like the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) providing support.
Expressing concern over the scarcity of made-in-Edo products in local stores, Braimoh urged cooperative managers to exercise financial prudence to maintain the trust of their members. Any signs of fraudulent activity within cooperatives, she warned, would be thoroughly investigated and dealt with accordingly.
Taking into account feedback from the training, Braimoh indicated plans to enhance the quality of cooperative societies in the state. In the near future, sessions on the use of technology and understanding its importance in the marketplace will be incorporated into the curriculum.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, Mr. Efe Iserhienrhien, reassured cooperatives of the ministry’s unwavering support and urged them to take the training seriously.
The two-day training workshop featured impactful lectures on topics such as the Basic Principles of Edo State Cooperatives Law, Effective Accounting and Bookkeeping for Cooperatives in the 21st Century, and Transforming Cooperative Societies in the 21st Century. These sessions were led by directors, heads of units, and resource persons from the ministry.
Expressing gratitude for the training, the President of the Edo Cooperative Federation, Mr. Filani Ojo, and the President of the Edo North Cooperative Union, Ahj. Sedenu Mohammed, assured the Edo State Government and the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives that the valuable lessons learned would be implemented effectively.
