Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has described cooperative societies as good financial platforms for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.
The governor made the remarks at the ninth Congress and Award Presentation of Federation of Osun State Cooperatives on Friday in Osogbo.
Oyetola said that due to the importance of cooperative societies, his administration would continue to give necessary support toward poverty alleviation, economic empowerment and wealth creation.
He described cooperative societies as good financial platforms that had played pivotal role in the economic development of the state.
Oyetola was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.
The governor noted that the overwhelming relevance of the cooperative system, particularly for economic empowerment at the grassroots could not be overemphasised.
He said his government would continue to make policies that would be beneficial to the growth and survival of cooperatives in the state.
“As tools for economic development, poverty alleviation and wealth creation, the state government recognises the importance of cooperative societies as a critical political and economic force,” Oyetola said.
Also speaking, Mrs Christiana Ogunfolaju, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry, Cooperative and Empowerment, said the state government and the cooperative societies were partners in progress.
Ogunfolaju said that the state government had painstakingly created a conducive atmosphere for cooperative societies to thrive.
Earlier, the state President of Cooperative Societies, Mr Samuel Olawole, commended the governor for allowing cooperative societies to grow in the state.