…Says Ademola Adeleke’s Cooperative Reforms Are Transforming Grassroots Economy Across Osun
…Commends Ademola Adeleke for Reviving Cooperatives, Expanding ₦3.45bn Intervention Fund
…Highlights ₦1.6bn Disbursement, 30,000 Revived Cooperatives as Key Achievements of Adeleke’s Administration
In a detailed radio interview, Hon. Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, Osun State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, outlined the major achievements of the Imole administration, with a strong focus on cooperative revitalization and grassroots empowerment.
He highlighted the successful revival of moribund cooperative societies and unions across the state, noting that over 30,000 cooperatives are now active and contributing to economic development due to targeted government interventions.
A key milestone, according to the Commissioner, was the hosting of the first-ever Cooperative Summit in Osun State. At the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke initially announced a ₦1 billion revolving loan for cooperative societies under the Federation of Osun State Cooperative Ltd (FOSCOOP). This intervention was later increased significantly to ₦3.450 billion, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement.
He further disclosed that over ₦1.6 billion has already been disbursed to cooperative unions and societies through FOSCOOP and the ward-based cooperative initiative, ensuring that funds reach grassroots beneficiaries across the state.
Ogungbangbe also pointed to the expansion of ward-based cooperative societies, now numbering 402 across Osun State, as a deliberate strategy to deepen financial inclusion and bring empowerment closer to the people.
Responding to allegations of political bias in the loan distribution, the Commissioner dismissed such claims, maintaining that cooperative societies are non-partisan. He cited the example of IGBEKELE OLUWA AFI-OLOHUN Cooperative Society in Ile-Ife, whose leadership publicly clarified that their support for the administration was based solely on performance, not political affiliation.
On empowerment programmes, he emphasized partnerships with organizations such as Project Enabled Africa, which has trained persons with disabilities and supported them with startup grants and equipment. He also mentioned collaborations with the Vulcanizers Association of Nigeria and the Federal Road Safety Corps to train and empower artisans across Osun State.
Addressing political concerns, Ogungbangbe insisted that the ministry’s interventions have impacted all communities, including Oriade and Obokun in Ijesha North Federal Constituency.
He also commended the broader infrastructural strides of the Adeleke administration, citing road projects and developments across major towns such as Ilesa, Osogbo, Iwo, Ile-Ife, and Ila Orangun, alongside ongoing projects within Ijesha North.
On national politics, the Commissioner addressed questions about party alignment, stating that despite party differences, there is a regional responsibility to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, given his Southwest roots.
He concluded by urging residents of Osun State to come out in large numbers on August 15, 2026, to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, stressing the importance of continuity in sustaining the administration’s achievements.
Adeleke’s Cooperative Reforms Are Transforming Grassroots Economy Across, says Osun Cooperative Commissioner
