Ekiti State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Empowerment, Mr. Folorunso Olabode has called on members of cooperative societies to utilize the opportunity provided by the associations to combat poverty in the society.
Mr. Olabode made the call in Ado Ekiti while receiving the executive members of the umbrella body of all cooperative societies in the state, the Cooperative Federation of Ekiti State on a courtesy visit to his office.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of cooperative societies, noting that over 300,000 people are constantly empowered through the about 500 cooperative societies in the state.
According to him, the societies not only empower individuals through soft loans but also create jobs, adding that it complements government’s effort at eradicating poverty in the society.
While assuring them of the assistance of the Mr. Olabode explained that they needed to be strengthened to be able to empower more members in order to eradicate poverty.
Earlier in his address, the State President, Federation of Ekiti State Cooperatives, Chief Adesida Oluwatuyi pleaded with the state government to allow the name of the new ministry to include cooperative as a major stake holder in the ministry.
Chief Oluwatuyi noted that this was the practice in South Western Part of Nigeria, adding that Ekiti State should not be an exception.
He urged government to always carry them along in all its programmes and activities as well as in the disbursement of loans to cooperative societies.
Chief Oluwatuyi however pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Last modified: March 10, 2013