Ed Malik, A / July 2, 2022 8.00 AM
As part of United Nations global awareness of the role of cooperatives in boosting commerce and business, the Edo State government organized a roadshow to sensitize the people about the unique contribution of cooperatives to making the world a better place.
The roadshow which was flagged off and led by the Edo State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Ms. Afie Braimoh, saw many cooperative societies and businesses participating enthusiastically in a medley of songs, music and dances.
Since assuming office, Ms. Braimoh has been at the fore-front of promoting policies that will create the enabling environment for small and medium scale (SMEs) businesses to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of Edo State.
‘Cooperatives have been successful in overcoming poverty and securing productive employment by encouraging the local communities to share business ideas that impact the people to achieve more economic success.’
The International Day of Cooperatives (ICA) is celebrated annually every first Saturday of the Month of July. The celebration has been marked by cooperatives worldwide since 1923 and was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995.
The aim of the ICA is to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote the movement’s ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.
Since 1995, the ICA and the United Nations through Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) have jointly set the theme for the celebration of #Coops Day.
Cooperatives have been defined as associations and enterprises that allow people to improve their lives while contributing to the economic, social, cultural, and political advancement of their community and nation.
From time immemorial, cooperatives have been responsible for wealth creation and eliminating poverty. They are also often major stakeholders in national and international affairs. The members contribute equitably to and democratically control the wealth and profits of the cooperative association.
This Year’s celebration theme which is ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’ promises to showcase the impact the cooperatives are making in every society to better the lives of the people through commerce.
Ms. Braimoh brings her robust experience and exposure in the international business and commerce acquired at leading multinational corporations in the United States and other countries.
She’s an accomplished Program Manager with over 20 years’ experience and a proven track record in Project Planning, Change Management and Quality Assurance across various sectors in Europe, US, and Africa in Finance, Energy, Technology, Hospitality, Agro-Business and Media, as well as developing and implementing Project Management Office and Shared Services in organizations.