The Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives (MBTC) has rolled out plans for an elaborate commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives, which will take place in Benin City, the state’s capital.
In a press release issued by Mrs. Enoma Efeomo, Director of Cooperatives at MBTC, the two-day event themed “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All” is slated for July 5 and 6, 2024. The celebration aims to highlight the vital role of cooperatives in fostering community development, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth.
Key Activities on the Agenda
The event kicks off on Friday, July 5, with an awareness-raising road walk through major streets of Benin City. Participants, including cooperative societies, stakeholders, and other well-wishers, will culminate the walk at the Secretariat Complex, where an exhibition showcasing various cooperative initiatives and achievements will be held.
The grand finale, scheduled for Saturday, July 6, at the prestigious Festival Hall of the Edo State Government House on Godwin Osadebey Avenue, GRA, will include an award ceremony celebrating the contributions of cooperative leaders and organizations across the state.
Distinguished Guests and Participants
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Engr. Omobayo Godwins, is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour. Hon. Patrick Irria Uanseru, the Commissioner for Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, will serve as the Chief Host, with Mrs. B.J. Igbinobaro, the Permanent Secretary of MBTC, as the official host.
The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, the visionary founder of LAPO Microfinance. A distinguished panel comprising key stakeholders and experts in cooperative development will also discuss strategies for strengthening cooperatives as drivers of social and economic progress. Panelists include:
- Mr. Joel Edionwe (Consultant and former Permanent Secretary)
- Mr. Efe Iserhienrhien (Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Finance)
- Dr. Osarenren Aigienohuwa (President, ANMFIN)
- Mr. Ojo Filani (President, Edo Cooperatives Federation)
- Mr. Nosa Obayuwana (State Coordinator, GIZ-Sedin)
A Legacy of Cooperative Celebrations
The International Day of Cooperatives is an annual global event held on the first Saturday of July. While the United Nations officially began recognizing the day in 2005, its origins trace back to 1923 when it was introduced by the International Cooperative Movement and the International Cooperative Alliance. The theme for each year’s celebration is selected by the Committee on the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), which includes the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a member.
This year’s Edo State event enjoys support from prominent organizations, including Prudence Choice Microfinance Bank, Edo Cooperatives Federation, and ITV, the official media partner.
Strengthening Cooperative Impact in Edo State
The upcoming celebration underscores Edo State’s commitment to leveraging the power of cooperatives to drive community-based economic transformation. Through this event, the state government aims to enhance public awareness of the cooperative movement’s potential and foster greater participation in cooperative societies for sustainable development.
As the celebrations draw near, expectations are high for an engaging and impactful event that not only honors the achievements of cooperatives but also sets the stage for future growth and innovation in Edo State’s cooperative sector.
