TEXT OF A SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE REHABILITATED COOPERATIVE COLLEGE, ODEOMU TODAY DECEMBER 11, 2024

PROTOCOLS

It is with deep appreciation to God that I am here today to commission the newly improved Odeomu Cooperative College. This historic college was abandoned for years despite its very important role in the development of capacity in the grassroots financial sector.

I knew the College from its inception. The College was established in 1992 by my brother, the 1st Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Adetunji Isiaka Adeleke (Serubawon). Before it was abandoned, the College produced over 2,500 graduates till date. The products of the school today occupy vital positions in the state and national economy. Many of them are now Royal Fathers, Seasoned Administrators, Cooperative Consultants, Special Advisers, Bankers, Hoteliers and Business tycoons.

It was an unfortunate recollection to note that the College was neglected for 12 years between 2010 and 2023 by the former APC administrations. The sad situation robbed the state and the grassroots economy of vital capacity building platforms and opportunities. The neglect contributed to the slow down of the Cooperative movement due to manpower issues among others.

It was in recognition of the need to strengthen the Cooperative movement that I directed the rejuvenation of the College at the first Osun State Cooperative Summit and Awards held in January this year. I am happy that today, the College is back on its feet. I am elated that student application has grown beyond 100 since the revival was achieved.

We are not stopping at the upgrading alone, I have given a directive that the college in partnership with the Osun State University should start running a degree programme. I have been briefed that the process is ongoing.

Our administration devoted attention to the cooperative movement because it provides direct access to financing at the grassroots level. The mechanism ensures collective exchange of contributory funds. This platform helps to build many local businesses and support the artisans and market men and women.

It was in realisation of the importance of the cooperative movement that our administration has injected one billion naira revolving loan into the cooperatives movement. Five Hundred Million Naira was extended to the conventional Cooperatives under the Federation of Osun State Cooperatives Limited (FOSCOOP). Another Five Hundred Million Naira was disbursed to 370 Ward-Based Cooperative Societies.

As at today, a total of 146 Cooperative Societies have benefited from the FOSCOOP loan while we have recorded 18,000 individual beneficiaries from the ward-based cooperatives. Before the end of the year, more funds are already available for disbursement to the cooperative movement.

As we are witnessing the commissioning of the new look and upgraded Cooperative College, it is my pleasure to honour the founder of the college by naming the school as Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Cooperative College.

Additionally, in recognition of the memory of one of our leaders in Osun state and Ode Omu in particular, I name the main hall of this college, Alhaji Ademola Razak Landero hall.

Ladies and gentlemen, It is my privilege to commission this rehabilitated College.