Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has promised to resuscitate the Ogun State Cooperative College as part of efforts to strengthen cooperative societies and promote the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the State.
The Governor made the promise at the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives, with a theme: ‘Cooperatives for a Peaceful World: Inclusivity, Security and Sustainable Development’, organised by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives at Ijebu-Ode.
Governor Abiodun, described the theme of the event as apt noted that cooperative societies had significant roles to play in promoting inclusive economic development by bringing people to pool resources together, access opportunities and undertake productive ventures.
He explained that reviving the cooperative college would help build the capacity of cooperative members, equip them with relevant skills and knowledge and position them to contribute more effectively to the State’s economic growth.
‘’Preparations is advancing for infrastructure improvement at the Ogun State Cooperative College to position it to award National Diploma and Higher National Diploma qualifications.
” Our objective is to prepare skilled professionals who can manage institutions, access risks and protect members.
Abiodun, who described cooperative societies as important instruments of socio-economic development, said his administration was committed to strengthening the cooperative movement to create more economic opportunities for residents.
He disclosed that his administration had disbursed another N500 Million through the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative’ to support artisans, traders and small businesses owners across 20 Local Government Areas of the State.
The Governor also pledged that the State government would provide adequate land for cooperative societies to embark on agricultural activities and housing projects as entailed in other parts of the world
According to him, the proposed seaport, which is expected to span 4 kilometres, would rank among the best seaports in Africa when completed.
In his remarks, the Minister of State Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdulahi, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Victor Oyegoke, lauded Governor Abiodun for his efforts in sustaining the development of cooperative, urging other States to follow suit.
He said the federal government had involved cooperative societies in taking development to the grassroots by empowering members in agriculture and small-scale businesses.
On his part, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Hon. Adeola Balogun, said the State has about 14,700 registered cooperative organisations whose activities engendered socio-economic development across the State.
The Commissioner noted that apart from providing financial assistance to members, they also promote unity and economic development needed for nation building, He appreciated the present administration for the N500m Revolving Loan granted to the State Cooperative Society, while calling for judicious use of the fund.
Hon. Balogun stressed the need for accountability, transparency, membership drive and strict adherence to cooperative principles and laws and sincerity of purpose for the continued sustainability of cooperative society in the State.
Also, the President, Ogun State Cooperative Federation, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, acknowledged government efforts in the development of cooperative in the State, saying the N500m Revolving Loan granted to the Federation, would go a long way in financing economic activities of members across the State.
He called for the upgrading of the Cooperative College, Shasha, Iperu-Remo, to a diploma and higher diploma awarding institution, saying this would go a long way in taking care of the manpower needs through exposure to modern trends in cooperative management.
Elijah Udofia,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the GOV.
