Cooperators in Ogun State have commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his administration’s interventions in the cooperative sector, particularly the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in loans to cooperative societies, artisans, traders and small business owners, as well as plans to upgrade the Ogun State Cooperative College to award National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.

The commendation followed the Governor’s announcement at the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebration themed " Cooperatives  for a Peaceful World: Inclusive Security and Sustainable Economic Development ", organised by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED) in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives in Ijebu-Ode.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, disclosed that Ogun State had about 14,700 registered cooperative organisations contributing to the State’s economic and social development, while commending the Governor for supporting the financial prosperity of cooperators across the State.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President, OGSCOFED, Mrs. Adenike Ajayi described the initiatives as significant steps towards strengthening grassroots enterprises, improving access to affordable financing and building professional capacity within the cooperative movement.

She disclosed that under the intervention, the State government has disbursed more than ₦500 million to cooperative societies through the Ogun State Cooperative Federation under its revolving loan scheme, while another ₦500 million was provided through the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative to support artisans, traders and small business owners across the state’s 20 local government areas, noting that beneficiaries are expected to utilise the funds to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic development.

Also speaking, President, Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Mr. Olatunji  Adeniyi  described the upgrade of the Ogun State Cooperative College as a timely intervention that would strengthen professional training and improve the management of cooperative institutions,  noting that the introduction of ND and HND programmes would equip trainees with relevant knowledge and skills in cooperative administration, financial management, risk assessment and sustainable enterprise development.

Further commending the Governor, SouthWest  Coordinator  of the Women Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(WACCIMA), Mrs. Cynthia Saka expressed optimism over the proposed allocation of land for agricultural production and housing projects by cooperative societies, saying the initiative, alongside the state government’s support for small businesses, could expand economic opportunities, promote food security and improve access to affordable housing, advising other cooperator to ensure  accountability, unity and responsible management of cooperative resources.

On his part, the President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, commended the government’s financial support and called for the speedy upgrade of the college, while the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, represented by his Special Assistant on Cooperatives, Mr Victor Oyegoke, also praised the present administration’s commitment to grassroots development.