By Ismail Azeez, OSogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the management of Cooperative College, Ode-omu, to establish a degree-awarding institution in collaboration with Osun State University.
Governor Adeleke issued this directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Cooperative College in Ode-omu. He described the upgrading of the College as essential to strengthening the cooperative movement in the state.
The Governor highlighted the crucial role of the cooperative movement in providing direct access to financing at the grassroots level.
“We are not stopping at the upgrading alone. I have given a directive that the college, in partnership with Osun State University, should begin offering degree programmes. I have been informed that the process is already underway,” Governor Adeleke stated.
“It is with deep gratitude to God that I am here today to commission the newly renovated Ode-omu Cooperative College. This historic institution was abandoned for many years, despite its critical role in developing capacity within the grassroots financial sector.
“It is regrettable to note that the College was neglected for 12 years, between 2010 and 2023, by the former APC administrations. This unfortunate situation deprived the state and the grassroots economy of vital capacity-building platforms and opportunities. The neglect also contributed to the slow-down of the cooperative movement, particularly due to a shortage of qualified manpower, among other factors.
“Our administration has focused on revitalising the cooperative movement because it provides direct access to financing at the grassroots level. The system facilitates the collective exchange of contributory funds, which helps nurture local businesses and supports artisans, traders, and market vendors.
“It was in recognition of the importance of the cooperative movement that our administration injected one billion naira in revolving loans into the sector. Five hundred million naira was allocated to conventional cooperatives under the Federation of Osun State Cooperatives Limited (FOSCOOP), while another five hundred million naira was disbursed to 370 ward-based cooperative societies.
“To date, a total of 146 cooperative societies have benefited from the FOSCOOP loan, and 18,000 individuals have been reached through the ward-based cooperatives. By the end of the year, more funds will be available for disbursement to further support the cooperative movement.
“As we celebrate the commissioning of the newly upgraded Cooperative College, it is my honour to recognise the founder of the college by renaming it the Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Cooperative College,” he concluded.