Chief Ayeola
By High Chief Oriyomi Ayeola
Introduction:
Let me start by congratulating everyone here seated on this year’s International Cooperative Day celebrations. I thank the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State of Nigeria and the President, Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria, for inviting me to deliver an address on this occasion. I feel highly honored to come before you today, together with you on this occasion of International Cooperative Day, to reflect upon the tremendous impact of cooperatives on humanity. Cooperative is not only an engine of economic growth but also a potential force for economic development. It embodies the principles of collective actions, participatory decision-making and shared benefits, all of which contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society.
The Vice-Chancellor, Mr. President, Ladies & Gentlemen, today, we are here to celebrate the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and mutual support that underpins the cooperatives as a movement. Cooperatives have a rich history that spans across cultures, continents and centuries. From their humble beginning in the early days of the industrial revolution in Europe, to their current global presence, cooperatives have proven to be a powerful force for positive change.
Theme and Topic
The topic of this presentation is “Cooperatives: Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development”. The choice of the topic, which of course, is the theme for this year’s International Cooperatives Day celebrations, cannot come at any better period of time than now, especially here in Nigeria, our dear country. The theme is coming at a time when Nigerian economy is in total collapse and complete disarray, and the new administration is now looking for the best platform, not only for economic growth but a potential tool for an all-inclusive development for the betterment of Nigerians and the continent of Africa in general.
The choice of the theme underscores cooperative movement’s commitment to collaborative efforts in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
My aim is to explore the values and principles of cooperatives as they play important roles as partners for accelerated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on the goals of particular relevance to cooperatives. The central message of the presentation therefore, is that cooperative organizations have key roles to play in facilitating sustainable development both at national and global levels.
By the English meaning and for the purpose of this presentation, Accelerate – “hasten” or “quicken” or “to cause to move faster”; Sustain – “to maintain without weakening”; Development – “act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining” or “progressive growth” or “progression in a continuously ascending order”
Accelerated sustainable development can literally be explained as any initiative or actions that hasten to maintain progressive growth.
“The major objective of sustainability is the satisfaction of human needs and aspirations. The essential needs of majority of people are food, clothing, shelter and job. Aside these needs, human beings also have aspirations for improved quality of life. Sustainable development therefore, requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all, the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life.”
As defined by the International Cooperative Alliance, “a cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise”. In other words, cooperatives are people centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for members.
The Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) was proclaimed by the United Nations on September 25, 2015. The SDG’s replaced the Millennium Development Goals and serve as a comprehensive and ambitious framework for global development until 2030.
The SDGs consist of 17 goals that aim to address various social, economic and environmental challenges faced by countries around the world. These goals are;
No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and well being
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean Energy
Decent work and Economic growth
Industry, Innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below water
Life on Water
Peace, Justice and strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals.
Each goal has specific target indicators that are designed to guide and measure progress towards its achievement globally. The SDGs are interconnected and address various dimensions of development, including poverty eradication, environmental protection, social inclusion and economic development.
Since the promulgation of the SDGs and as noted by the ICA President, Ariel Guarco, “being one of the oldest and largest business networks, cooperative movement was the first group of enterprises worldwide to endorse the SDGs and be recognized as a partner in achieving the goals.”
Roles of Cooperatives in achievement of the SDG’s
Cooperatives have placed crucial roles in poverty reduction by providing income, generating opportunities and access to essential services for marginalized communities. Data reveal that cooperative provide jobs and work opportunities to 10% of the employed population globally.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report in 2017, around 700 million people, most of them living in the rural areas, are still extremely poor. 800 million people are chronically hungry and 2 billion suffer micro nutrient deficiency. Under a ‘business- as- usual’ scenario, without additional effort to promote pro poor development, some 653 million people could still be under nourished in 2030. Even where poverty has been reduced, pervasive inequalities remain, hindering poverty eradication. However, amidst these hurdles, agricultural cooperatives have significantly contributed to food security and sustainable farming practices, hence providing hope for families and communities. In 2019, it was reported that agricultural cooperatives accounted for around 40% of global agricultural production.
With open and voluntary membership as one of the founding principles, cooperatives help women access resources and opportunities by expanding their participation in local and national economies. Cooperatives have proven to be resilient and even recorded growth in times of crisis such as the 2008 financial recession, the Covid-19 pandemic, the effect of the Russian –Ukraine crisis just to mention a few. The examples are many and results are traceable and indeed, cooperatives align closely with many of Sustainable Development Goals. Through their commitment and social responsibility and the well being of their members, cooperatives are key drivers of sustainable development at the grass root. By empowering marginalized communities, women, youth and vulnerable groups, cooperatives promote inclusivity and social cohesion. They offer avenues for skilled development, entrepreneurship and access to essential services, thereby reducing inequalities and creating a more just society.
As sustainable development seek to address core issues worldwide, such as stable economy, access to health care, energy supply, food, education etc, cooperatives offer an alternative approach to meeting a range of human and societal needs. Cooperatives are also viable actors since they are not sector specific, they can be used in a wide array of sectors to help find solutions to developmental challenges.
Cooperatives are active in the health sector of many countries. In Brazil,
Cooperatives account for much of the market with Unimed as the largest medical
network in the country and the largest medical cooperative system in the world.
There are 616 pharmaceutical cooperatives in Belgium. (http://www.un.org).
In Spain, health cooperatives operate a system: a consumer cooperative owns a hospital, a worker co-operative of doctors operates health facilities and own a health insurance company, a third worker cooperative of doctors owns an insurance company. Together, the organizations co-manage the health system. So Spain’s medical coop Fundacion Espriu provides health services to cover 2million people.(https://www.thenews.coop). Cooperatives provide health care services in the United States primary Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) and home care cooperatives.
Health Partners is in partnership with ICA-Africa, assisting cooperatives to navigate the health sector in Africa. They are very active in Uganda. In Lagos, Nigeria, Pharmaton 693 cooperative whose members are all pharmacists partnered with ASSU cooperative to set up a pharmacy shop within the campus at Lagos state university.
Conclusion
To fully unleash the potential of cooperatives as partners for accelerated sustainable development, we must create an enabling environment that supports cooperatives growth and strengthens their impact.
At juncture, I wish to call, once again, on our governments, policy makers, private and public institutions, national and multi-national institutions, institutions of higher learning, to pay more attention to cooperatives and recognize the unique contributions of cooperatives to humanity and develop policies that promote their formation, sustainability and expansion. It is essential to provide access to finance, capacity building programs and technical support tailored to the specific needs of cooperative enterprise.
Additionally, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among cooperatives at the local, national and international levels is crucial. Cooperatives can learn from each other’s successes, exchange best practices and collectively address common challenges. Partnerships between cooperatives, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector can amplify the impact of cooperative initiatives and pave the way for innovative solutions to global issues.
As students of Cooperative Economics and Management, you have unique opportunity to shape the future of cooperatives and future of our people through cooperatives. You are the touch bearers of this noble movement, entrusted with the responsibility to drive change and champion sustainable development. I encourage each one of you, as individuals and collectively too, to seize this opportunity and deeply involve yourselves in cooperative principles and practice, and harness the transformative power of cooperation.
Cooperatives are not just economic enterprises; they are agents of social change, engines of inclusive growth and catalyst for sustainable development. By embracing the values of cooperation, we can build a more equitable and resilient world. As we celebrate the international Cooperative Day of Cooperatives, let us affirm our commitment to the cooperative principles of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
Let us work together to create an environment where cooperatives can flourish and thrive. This includes fostering a culture of cooperation, promoting cooperative education and training and encouraging young people to actively participate in cooperative activities. Embrace innovation and technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of cooperatives, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, let us recognize the role of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Cooperatives have the potential to contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, which include poverty eradication, zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, gender equality, climate action and responsible consumption and production. By aligning cooperative efforts with these global goals, we can create lasting positive impact on both local and global scales.
I also want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnership. No single entity or organization can tackle the complex challenges we face today. Cooperatives, government, civil society and the private sector must join forces to address the social, economic and environmental issues that affect our communities. Let us forge strong alliances, share knowledge and resources and build networks that amplify our collective impact.
Let me once again, commend the management of Nnamdi Azikwe University In conjunction with Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria for organizing this event and for their commitment to promoting cooperatives principles and practices.
I applaud the students for their dedication and enthusiasm in cooperatives education. Your passion and knowledge will be instrumental in shaping a future where cooperatives are at the forefront of sustainable development for Nigeria people and humanity in general.
As we celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives, let us remember that cooperation is not just a means to an end, but a powerful tool for building a better world. Together, as partners for accelerated sustainable development, we can create a future where economic prosperity, social justice and environmental stewardship are the hallmarks of our societies.
Thank you for your attention and may the spirit of cooperation guide us on this remarkable journey of life.
A Lecture delivered by High Chief Oriyomi Ayeola Oriyomi AYEOLA,
President: Cooperative Federation of Nigeria,
International Cooperative Alliance – Africa.
On the occasion of International Cooperatives Day at Nnamdi Azikwes University,Awka, Anambra State,Nigeria
