Cooperative Federation of Nigeria Tasked To Deepen Impact At 10th National Summit.

By Elizabeth Salami 

Nigeria Cooperatives have been charged to increase wealth creation through robust businesses, investments, value chains, creating jobs boosting livelihoods and improving Nigeria’s economy.

This was the submission of the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi on Wednesday in his opening remarks at the 10th National Cooperative Summit held at the Maryam Babangida National Centre For Women Development, Abuja.

Dr Abdullahi, who doubles as the supervising Minister and grand Patron of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), stated that the over 30 million Nigerian Cooperators can within 5 years grow it’s 1.7 trillion annual output to 5 trillion if it opens up to more investments and wealth creation.

He counselled cooperative leaders on transparency and accountability in order to win trust and attract support and partners.

The Minister advised the CFN to key into  President Tinubu’s reforms to strengthen cooperatives.

The Plateau State Governor, H.E. Caleb Mutfwang, in his goodwill message as a patron of the CFN, noted that the theme for the summit, “Cooperative Reform: Unlocking Cooperative Potentials for Peace, Sustainable Development and Economic Transformation” is timely, as  communities and nations are seeking sustainable pathways to inclusive economic growth, social stability and shared prosperity, which cooperatives provide.

He saluted the emphasis on youth and women in cooperatives, recognizing that their active participation, will not only expand access to economic resources but also strengthen families, communities and Nigeria’s economy.

The President of the CFN, who is the first female president in the CFN’s six decades of existence, Mrs. Hannatu Mershak in her opening remark pointed that the CFN national summit brings together government, cooperative leaders, financial institutions, development partners, the private sector professionals and researchers to dialogue, learn, network for collective action.

She said she is enthusiastic that the summit will translate to stronger institutions, better services to members, increased access to finance and measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

She concluded by calling for unity and collective action, saying, “our strength is in our numbers, our impact will depend on our collective action.”

There were good will messages from the CFN partners, EU- CSO Bridge Project, Parkway, Seamfix, CMB among others.

The 2day 10th National Cooperative Summit also featured paper presentations, panel discussions, Exhibitions and awards.

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