23/10/2025
Congratulations Plateau State as history has been made this night through PLASCOFED for producing the first female CFN President.
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*Plateau State Hosts 9th National Cooperative Summit, Mrs. Mershak Hannatu Emerges New CFN President*
By Godwin Moses
The Plateau State Cooperative Federation successfully hosted the 9th National Cooperative Summit, Congress, and Awards Ceremony in Jos, Plateau State. The summit's theme, "Cooperative Working Together for a Better Nigeria," emphasized the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility among stakeholders in driving national development.
Keynote speaker Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, represented by his special assistant, Mr. Victor Oyegoke outlined the Federal Ministry's initiatives to boost the growth and sustainable development of Nigerian cooperatives. These initiatives include the ongoing review of the cooperative law through the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp program, designed to enhance the sector's performance. The Minister noted that this program aligns with the Federal Government's efforts to rebuild Nigeria's socio-economic fabric through inclusion, productivity, and shared prosperity. He added that cooperatives remain a strategic vehicle for organizing small holder farmers, processors, and markets with ease.
The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Mohammed Nyalun, who represented
His Excellency , Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang highlighted the critical role cooperatives play in promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and fostering social cohesion. The state has intensified efforts to collaborate with cooperative societies across all 17 Local Government Areas, enhancing agricultural value chains, promoting small-scale manufacturing, and working closely with financial institutions to provide affordable credit.
Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola, President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), provided an update on the federation's transformation efforts, including redefining its vision, rebuilding structures, and rekindling the cooperative spirit. CFN remains committed to representing cooperatives in government dialogue, attracting development partners, and organizing programs that promote unity, knowledge acquisition, and member welfare.
Earlier, Mrs. Mershak Hannatu, President of Plateau State Cooperative Federation (PLASCOFED) and newly elected President of CFN, highlighted the significance of the summit's theme. She emphasized that the cooperative model offers essential solutions to pressing global challenges and expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his commitment to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of Plateau people.
The event marked PLASCOFED's second time hosting the summit in eight years, underscoring its dedication to cooperative development.
The summit featured presentations on the role of cooperatives in financing MSMEs for sustainability, data as a tool for sustainable cooperative development, and a panel discussion. Such initiatives provide a platform for stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening the cooperative movement and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria.