…….There can be no meaningful economic transformation in Nigeria without strong cooperative societies.”
That declaration by the Deputy House Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, set the tone for his message marking the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives, as he argued that Nigeria’s battle against poverty, unemployment and food insecurity cannot be won without a vibrant cooperative movement.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Special Assistant, Hon. Ibrahim Sani, the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo (Enone) Federal Constituency of Benue State described cooperative societies as one of the country’s most effective platforms for driving inclusive economic growth, empowering citizens and promoting sustainable national development.
According to Agbese, cooperative societies have evolved far beyond their traditional role as savings and credit associations, becoming powerful economic institutions that enable millions of Nigerians to pool resources, access finance, expand businesses and improve their standard of living through collective effort.
He said farmers, traders, artisans, market women, entrepreneurs, youths and small business owners across the country continue to rely on cooperatives to overcome financial barriers, increase productivity and create wealth.
“Cooperative societies remain indispensable partners in delivering lasting solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges,” Agbese said.
He noted that at a time when the country is pursuing economic diversification, agricultural transformation, financial inclusion and industrial growth, cooperatives have continued to demonstrate their relevance by supporting small and medium-scale enterprises, boosting agricultural production, facilitating access to affordable credit and creating employment opportunities.
The Deputy House Spokesman stressed that the annual observance of the International Day of Cooperatives should not be seen merely as a ceremonial celebration but as global recognition of a development model that has consistently placed people at the centre of economic progress.
“The observance of the International Day of Cooperatives is not merely a celebration of organisations but a recognition of a development model that places people at the centre of economic progress,” he said.
Agbese explained that the strength of cooperative societies lies in their ability to empower communities to take ownership of their economic future through mutual trust, democratic participation and shared responsibility.
He maintained that sustainable development becomes achievable when citizens are given the opportunity to organise themselves, mobilise resources collectively and build enterprises that directly benefit their members and communities.
The lawmaker further argued that the principles guiding cooperative societies, including unity, solidarity, accountability, equity and self-reliance, remain critical to strengthening national cohesion at a time when Nigeria faces numerous economic and social challenges.
According to him, these values not only promote responsible economic participation but also encourage peaceful coexistence, community resilience and inclusive development.
Agbese said cooperative societies have continued to make significant contributions to poverty reduction by expanding financial access to underserved populations, strengthening agricultural value chains, encouraging innovation and supporting entrepreneurship across various sectors of the economy.
He added that their contributions have become increasingly important as governments at all levels seek practical and sustainable approaches to improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.
The Deputy House Spokesman also commended the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for pursuing legislative reforms aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening cooperative institutions and creating more opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
He said the Green Chamber remains committed to enacting people-oriented laws that will support entrepreneurship, improve access to finance and encourage community-based economic development.
Agbese equally applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing policies focused on economic revitalisation, agricultural development, enterprise support and financial inclusion.
He described cooperative societies as strategic partners in delivering the objectives of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that government efforts would yield greater results when complemented by vibrant and well-supported cooperative institutions.
Reaffirming his commitment to advancing the cooperative movement, Agbese pledged to continue championing legislative initiatives and constituency programmes that would strengthen cooperative societies, improve access to affordable credit, support agricultural value chains, promote youth and women entrepreneurship, and accelerate sustainable development across Enone Federal Constituency and Nigeria.
He congratulated cooperative societies, community associations, farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, market women, youth groups and development partners on this year’s International Day of Cooperatives, acknowledging their contributions to Nigeria’s economic resilience and community development.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the ideals of cooperation, integrity, innovation and inclusiveness, expressing confidence that through collective action, responsible leadership and shared commitment, the country would unlock its enormous human and economic potential and build a more prosperous future for all citizens.
