The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in partnership with the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, successfully concluded the national training and workshop event titled “Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform” on April 30, 2025. This significant forum, held at the New Lecture Theatre Hall of the Federal Cooperative College, gathered trustees, management committees, stakeholders, and managers of cooperative societies from across Nigeria, particularly focusing on the South-West region.
Key dignitaries present included Dr. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College; Dr. Onuyi Majebi, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences; Honorable Victor Oyegoke, Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of State; Dr. Fajobi Olubunmi, National President of the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON); and Prof. Emeritus Queen Victoria Adeyeye, National President of the Agro-Allied Community of Cooperative Nigeria Ltd.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdulganiyu expressed gratitude for the participants' involvement, stating, "On behalf of the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, management, staff, and students of the Federal Cooperative College Eleyele, Ibadan, I wish to express our delight in being part of this workshop. By the end of this program, Nigeria is going to be better for it. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recognized that cooperatives are an important platform for economic growth and development, and what we have come here to do is part of a process that will ultimately elevate Nigeria to greater heights."
He emphasized the vital role of agriculture in Nigeria's economy, saying, "If resources are channeled to cooperators towards the agricultural value chain—encompassing input supply, production, processing, and marketing—before we know it, Nigeria will produce more than enough to feed all of us. Employment will also be generated. I urge all of us to join hands together, looking for ways to move cooperation forward, engaging in capacity building so we can advance Nigeria."
During the workshop, several leaders in the cooperative sector shared their insights through engaging presentations. Hon. Victor Oyegoke presented a paper titled “Cooperative Principles & Practical Applications in the 21st Century.” He described principles as essential guidelines for success, referencing Robert Owen, the father of cooperatives. "We need professionals to come together; if we must succeed in cooperatives today, we must go digital and embrace innovation," he urged. "Modern services like Opay and Kuda are cooperative in nature. We should also contribute back to our communities, even if it's just 1% of our dividends."
Dr. Fajobi Olubunmi followed with a compelling presentation entitled “Cooperative Resilience: Building a Brighter Tomorrow Together.” He emphasized the need for organized cooperation: "Resilience is the ability to withstand adversity and return to optimal functioning. We can overcome challenges if we stand together as cooperators. The food security issue in Nigeria can be solved by us cooperators,” he stated, while highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment and encouraging women to engage in cooperative activities.
Dr. Ogunreku Segun Akinola’s presentation, titled “Impact of Cooperative Digitalization Towards Building a Sustainable Modern Eco-System,” focused on the need for cooperators to embrace digitalization. "We need to move away from traditional methods; digitalization improves our operational efficiency and enhances member engagement," he explained while acknowledging the challenges that come with technology.
As the workshop came to a close, participants actively engaged in meaningful discussions on challenges facing their cooperatives and explored innovative solutions to enhance their operations. The event provided a vital platform for collaboration among stakeholders, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdulganiyu reiterated the importance of the discussions conducted over the two days. "These sessions have underscored the resilience and adaptability required of cooperatives in the modern age. We must act on the insights we've gained. Our cooperative societies have the potential to solve pressing issues like food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria, but it requires a collective effort and unwavering commitment."
As the workshop concluded, attendees left with renewed motivation and a wealth of knowledge, eager to implement the strategies learned to revitalize their cooperatives. The atmosphere was charged with optimism, highlighting a shared determination to not only enhance cooperative practices but also to contribute significantly to Nigeria's agricultural and economic growth.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the insights gained during the workshop. One attendee remarked, “This workshop has been transformative. It’s crucial that we embrace digitalization and innovation if we want our cooperatives to thrive in this century.”
Another participant noted, “The discussions around resilience and community support emphasized how vital cooperatives are to our economy. We need to work together to harness our potential and support each other moving forward.”
With the conclusion of the “Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform” workshop, leaders and members of cooperative societies are now better equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the cooperative sector in Nigeria. The event served as a pivotal moment in redefining the strategies necessary for cooperative success, setting the stage for a revitalized movement dedicated to sustainable development, empowerment, and the overall well-being of communities across the nation.
As stakeholders depart, they carry with them not only the knowledge and tools necessary for implementing change but also a renewed sense of hope for the future of cooperative societies in Nigeria. The workshop has successfully laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and communication among cooperatives, heralding a promising path towards growth and innovation in the Nigerian cooperative movement.
