BENIN CITY, January 18, 2026 — The Edo State Government recently said that cooperative societies across the state will be revitalised and fully integrated into its development framework under the SHINE Agenda of the State government
The Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Omoh Anabor, gave the assurance while receiving members of the Edo Cooperatives Federation [ECF] in his office in Benin City.
He said the SHINE Agenda is comprehensive in scope and designed to stimulate inclusive economic growth, saying that cooperative societies must play a central role in the state’s economic transformation.
Anabor noted that part of his mandate is to revive, reposition and strengthen cooperative societies to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to members and contribute meaningfully to wealth creation and job generation in Edo State.
He expressed concern over cases where cooperative members make consistent and sacrificial savings, but are unable to access their funds when needed, describing such practices as unacceptable and inhumane.
The Commissioner warned that any cooperative executive found guilty of mismanaging members’ funds would face the full weight of the law.
He called for closer collaboration between the Edo Cooperatives Federation and the Ministry, emphasising that the integrity of the cooperative system must be protected at all times.
According to him, elections within cooperatives must be credible, transparent and fair to ensure accountability and trust.
Anabor explained the Federation of the state government’s commitment to ensuring the viability, sustainability and growth of cooperatives across Edo State, noting that the Okpebholo administration is determined to strengthen grassroots economic institutions.
Earlier, President of the Edo Cooperatives Federation, Ojo Filani, commended the Commissioner for his humility and open-door policy.
Filani highlighted several challenges confronting cooperative societies in the state, lamenting that many have been left to struggle, contrary to the original vision of cooperatives as vehicles for collective economic advancement.
He noted, however, that cooperatives in Edo State have continued to contribute to social and economic development, albeit quietly.
He also observed that cooperative societies in states such as Lagos, Ogun and Osun benefit from access to loans and grants provided by their state governments, and questioned why similar support has been lacking in Edo State.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Edo Cooperatives Federation and Secretary of the Oredo Local Government Council Cooperative Society, Lady Phil Ukhueleigbe, decried the non-remittance of cooperative dues.
She said that although a court judgment had ordered the remittance of such dues without fail, political interference had hindered sustained compliance, adversely affecting the operations of cooperative societies.
In response, Anabor assured the delegation that all issues raised would be thoroughly examined and addressed.
He reiterated that the SHINE Agenda of Governor Okpebholo was already gaining momentum across the state, as reflected in ongoing developmental initiatives.
https://thecooperator.news/ensign-cooperative-nigeria-cultivating-prosperity-through-agriculture/
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