… Seeks collaborative support
The Management team of the Cooperative Rating & Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN) has recently paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives (MITC) Ms. Afishetu Braimoh MBA, M.APM, with a view to advocate and seek collaborative support for CRASoN projects, programmes and activities.
Speaking during the visit, the President/CEO and leader of the team, Mr. Victor Oyegoke appreciated and commended the Honorable Commissioner for a job well done and the great impact she has made within the shortest period, she became the head of the Edo State MITC. Mr. Oyegoke said, that in other states, the Cooperative Department is always neglected but we have seen that here in Edo State it is not so, as evidenced by the level of support given to Cooperators, the education, awareness, and information made available on cooperatives, especially at the last 2022 International Day of Cooperatives held in the State is unprecedented and hope to see more collaboration with the Edo Cooperative Federation Limited to have more impact in the future within the state.
He further briefed the Hon. Commissioner on issues germane to the promotion, development, and ensuring sustainability of the Cooperative Sector in Nigeria and Edo State in particular. He narrated the vision, mission, and objectives of CRASoN and the advent of the maiden edition of the Nigerian National Cooperative Awards in 2018, followed by the second edition held in 2019, and how COVID-19 gave us a break in 2020 and after that resumed last year 2021 doing the Third edition to her and then seek the support of the Edo State Government via the Ministry to be part of this Fourth Edition coming up at Abuja on the 18th through to 20th November 2022.
Among other things, the focus of discussion during the courtesy/familiarization visit was centered on:
(i) Addressing Cooperative Data Collation and Analysis; (ii) Cooperative Recognition as key partner in development contributing to the socio-economic spheres of life, and (iii) Encouraging CSR Initiatives as provided for in the cooperative Principles and Values of Concern for Communities and Caring for Other.
The team was well received by the Honorable Commissioner for Edo State Ministry of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives Ms. Afishetu Braimoh MBA, M.APM who is a woman of substance and action with few words. She role out achievements made so far and plans by the State Governor for the Ministry and extension to the Cooperative sub-sector which have major roles to play in the economy diversification plan of the State Government. She narrated how her ministry is playing a key role in the rapid development taking shape in building the state’s economy and driving industrialization, trade, and investment in the energy, technology, housing sector, and agriculture of which Cooperatives can’t be left behind in all of it.
In her conclusion, she promised to partner with CRASoN in fulfilling their vision and gave her words on supporting the 4th National Cooperative Awards by ensuring that Edo State Government attends and participates in this year’s event by God’s grace.
Highlights of the visit was when CRASoN CEO, Mr. Victor Oyegoke presented two of his authored books on Cooperatives titled; Cooperative Business Model- The Basic Elements You Need to Know and Cooperation – The Pathway to Success. Also, he presented the CRASoN Projects and Programmes Brochure to the Honorable Commissioner, Edo State MITC.
Present at the courtesy visit meeting with MITC Commissioner, were Mrs. Yuwa Naps, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives. Enoma Efeomo (Mrs.) Director of Cooperatives Services Edo State, Comrade, Filani Ojo, President of Edo State Cooperative Federation Ltd. And Ms. Victoria Adiaha Akpan CRASoN Secretary & Executive Director
