Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State commissioner for commerce, cooperatives, trade and investment, has charged the governing council of Lagos State Cooperative College to drive entrepreneurship, empower communities and contribute to the state’s economic prosperity.

Mrs Ambrose-Medebem gave the charge during inauguration of the governing  council, on Wednesday at Alausa, Ikeja.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of clarity of vision and objectives.

According to the commissioner, the college’s mission is to be a globally-competitive institution that emphasises entrepreneurship and skills development.

Mrs Ambrose-Medebem said that the council’s role was crucial in achieving the mission as well as  driving the college’s growth.

She suggested that the council should partner with successful cooperative institutions to empower communities through socio-economic transformation.

The commissioner encouraged the council to ensure best practices and learn from others to achieve excellence.

She advised  the governing council on key areas of focus, including training of members of cooperative societies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operators.

“The board should leverage technology to drive accountability, remove fraud and increase efficiency in cooperative operations.

“Also, the college should train cooperatives and MSMEs to access affordable finance, which will contribute to economic prosperity and job creation,” she said.

The commissioner expressed  optimism that the council would achieve milestones and make significant contributions to the state’s economic development.

”l look forward to attending the board’s retreat and reviewing its roadmap for the future,” she said.

The  Provost of the college, Akorede Ojomu, expressed gratitude to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for support.

Mr Ojomu said that the governor’s efforts brought the college law into effect, enabling the institution to thrive.

The provost highlighted the college’s achievements, including recognition by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture as the best cooperative college in Nigeria.

Mr Ojomu said the college had the capacity to train professionals, and expressed optimism about the college’s potential for growth and development.

He said the governing council included former officials and appointed members.

The chairman of the council, Oyebowale Raji, in his acceptance speech, said that he was  fully committed to advancing the vision and mission of the college.

He said: “We recognise that cooperative education is not just an education endeavour but also a powerful instrument for financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and social equity.

“We are equally driven by the vision of a greater Lagos, where cooperative institutions are not just platforms for economic empowerment but also vehicles for social transformation.”

The chairman pledged that the council would serve with renewed energy, foresight and diligence in pursuit of a cooperative ecosystem which would deliver real and lasting value to the state residents. 

(NAN)