Institute of Co-operative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON) Held her 7th National Conference.

The conference with the theme: Sustainable Cooperative Management and Practice Pivots for National Economic Growth and Development seeks to promote a more robust and intergrated cooperative society.

In his remarks, the national President Dr. Olubunmi Fajobi noted that the theme of the conference was deliberate and timely in order to throes open variable inputs that's could move cooperative activities and especially ICOPRON.

In another development the governor of Niger state who was represented by the special adviser on special duties, Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana resonates with the theme and stressed that Niger state recently convened a summit of green revolution targeted mainly at the rural poor is an indication of the government sensitivity to the perennial plights.

Below is the excerpts of the presentation.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MOHAMMED 

UMARU BAGO, GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE AT THE 7

TH

ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INSTITUTE OF 

CO-OPERATIVE PROFESSIONALS OF NIGERIA, DELIVERED 

BY THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON SPECIAL DUTIES, 

DR. MURTALA MUHAMMAD BAGANA.

Protocol

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and esteemed members 

of the Media and the Institute of Co-operative Professionals of Nigeria,

I stand before you today with great honor and respect on behalf of My 

Governor, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Governor of 

Niger State. His Excellency extends his heartfelt gratitude for the 

invitation as the Special Guest of Honor to address this distinguished 

gathering at the 7th National Conference of the Institute of Co-operative 

Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON). Unfortunately, the Governor is 

unable to be here in person due to other competing priorities, but he 

has entrusted me to represent him and deliver this Keynote Address on 

his behalf.

The theme of this conference, "Sustainable Co-operative 

Management and Practice: Pivots for National Economic Growth 

and Development," resonates deeply with the Governor's commitment 

to sustainable development. In his inaugural address few weeks ago, 

at the Niger State Green Economy Summit, His Excellency, 

emphasized the importance of addressing pressing challenges and 

seizing opportunities for a sustainable future. Today, I would like to draw 

upon his insights and expand uponJust as the summit underscored the importance of confronting climate 

change and environmental degradation while seizing the opportunities 

inherent in green technologies, our gathering today emphasizes the 

need for sustainable co-operative management and practice in driving 

economic growth. 

Nigeria's co-operative professionals play a pivotal role in fostering 

economic growth and development, particularly in a nation as diverse 

and resourceful as ours. Nigeria, much like Niger State, is endowed with 

diverse resources, both natural and human. These resources, including 

fertile lands, solid minerals, hardworking citizens and communities, and 

a rich cultural heritage, the foundation upon which our nation is built. 

As you might be aware, Niger State is blessed with diverse natural 

resources sitting on over 76,363km2 of arable land which includes 

abundant carbon assets, freshwater bodies, rich mineral deposits 

including lithium, gold, tin, talc, kaolin, granite, marble, copper, and 

lead, among others, and scenic landscapes. 

These resources are not just green assets; they are the very essence 

of our heritage and the source of our livelihoods. Yet, these invaluable 

assets are under threat, vulnerable to the relentless onslaught of 

climate change. We will therefore require the collaboration and 

expertise of co-operative professionals to guarantee the protection of 

our climate and maximize the natural assets for sustainable 

development. 

Co-operatives are not just financial entities; they are instruments of 

social and economic transformation. They empower individuals and 

communities, fostering equitable wealth creation, and promoting 

inclusive growth. The cooperative movement, with its focus on 

community-driven economic activities, has a vital role to play in 

harnessing these resources for the benefit

In Niger State, our mission is very clear, as embodied in our 20 years 

developmental blueprint and commitment to Nigerlites. We aspire to 

create a state where its citizens enjoy access to fundamental social 

amenities and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life. These 

include functional primary healthcare systems, access to highquality and inclusive education, safeguarded lives and property, 

assured food security, clean drinking water, affordable housing, 

recreational venues, and opportunities for sports and leisure, 

empowering of our women and youths. 

We envision a state with a sustainable economy, underpinned by 

substantial agricultural growth, investments in tourism, the utilization of 

renewable energy, the responsible extraction of solid minerals, fostering 

innovation, embracing cutting-edge technology, promoting diverse 

services, establishing free trade zones, cultivating industrial parks, and 

establishing economic cities as vital hubs for development and 

employment.

The sub-themes of this conference provide us with a clear roadmap for 

sustainable co-operative management and practice in Nigeria. 

Co-operatives can lead the way in developing sustainable farming 

practices, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of our 

farmers - agricultural sector, therefore has the potential to be a 

cornerstone of national socio-economic growth as outlined in the 

Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR. 

Ladies and gentlemen, co-operatives embody the principles of selfhelp, mutual responsibility, democracy, and equality. They are uniquely 

positioned to drive sustainable development by mobilizing resources, 

empowering communities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Embracing gender equality, professionalism, sound legal framework, 

practices and technology are key to enhancing efficiency and transparency in co-operatives with resultant boost economic growth 

and social progress.

Let us heed the lessons from Niger State's commitment to green growth 

and environmental stewardship. The Governor emphasized the 

importance of collective action in tackling climate change and 

environmental degradation. Co-operatives, just like the green economy, 

require the active engagement of all stakeholders. Governments, cooperative members, academia, civil societies and the private sector 

must work together to shape a sustainable co-operative landscape that 

supports our nation's growth and development.

As we gather here today, I call upon you to seize this opportunity to 

learn from experts, share experiences, and cultivate innovative 

solutions. Together, we can build a future where co-operatives are at 

the forefront of our nation's sustainable development, contributing to 

economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, may this conference be a steppingstone toward a 

brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria. The Governor and the 

people of Niger State wish you fruitful deliberations and a successful 

conference. 

Thank you for your attention, and may God bless the Federal Republic

Indeed this conference provides a clear road map for development and growth especially the small microeconomic strata.