10/05/2026
OWO GROUP HOLDS IMPACTFUL RETREAT ON “COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES” IN SAGAMU
...Cooperative Leaders Advocate Unity, Transparency and Sustainable Growth
Members and leaders of Owo Group Makun Sagamu Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited gathered at the Owo Cooperative Event Centre, Ewu Oliwo, Oja Otitokoro, Ado Omitutu, Sagamu, Ogun State on Thursday, May 7, 2026, for a one-day retreat themed “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.” The event brought together cooperative stakeholders across Remo Zone in a bid to strengthen unity, leadership capacity, and sustainable development within the cooperative movement.
The retreat, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., featured goodwill messages, keynote addresses, paper presentations, interactive sessions, and awards for outstanding cooperative societies under the Owo Group umbrella.
In his welcome address, the President of Owo Group Makun Sagamu Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited, Prince Lateef Adewale Oriade (FICP), described the retreat as “a moment of reflection, learning, and strategic alignment,” stressing that cooperative leadership is built on integrity, accountability, and service to members.
According to him, committee members occupy positions of trust and are expected to uphold the core principles of cooperatives, especially the 6th Principle of the International Cooperative Alliance — Cooperation Among Cooperatives.
“When we uphold cooperative principles, we build trust. When we neglect them, we weaken the very structure we are meant to strengthen,” he stated.
Prince Oriade further urged participants to embrace open dialogue, continuous improvement, and collaborative leadership capable of driving economic empowerment and community development.
The retreat also received strong commendation from the Branch President of Remo Branch One of Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited, Chief (Mrs.). Adenike Ajayi, who congratulated the organizers for focusing on the sixth cooperative principle.
She encouraged participants to pay close attention to the lectures and actively engage during discussions and question-and-answer sessions, noting that inter-cooperation remains essential to the survival and expansion of the cooperative movement.
Declaring the retreat open, the Assistant Director of Cooperative Services, Sagamu Local Government, Mr. O. A. Babarinde, applauded the remarkable achievements of the society, describing Owo Group Makun Sagamu Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited as one of the outstanding cooperative societies not only in Ogun State but across Nigeria.
A major highlight of the retreat was the lecture presentation delivered by the Executive Secretary of Ogun State Co-operative Federation Limited, Mrs. Folorunso Olusola Arike, on the topic “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.”
In her comprehensive paper, she explained that cooperation among cooperatives is the sixth principle of the International Cooperative Alliance, emphasizing that cooperatives achieve greater impact when they collaborate instead of competing against one another.
She noted that inter-cooperation helps cooperatives pool resources, share knowledge, reduce operational costs, influence policies, and expand economic opportunities for members and host communities.
The lecture further explored the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) surrounding cooperative collaboration while citing practical global examples from India, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Kenya, and Spain.
Using the famous Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) cooperative model in India as a case study, the speaker demonstrated how cooperative networking has empowered millions of women economically, improved access to healthcare and education, and reduced poverty among vulnerable households.
She stressed that isolated cooperatives often struggle with inadequate resources, duplication of efforts, weak bargaining power, and low economic impact, while cooperation among cooperatives creates economies of scale and stronger community influence.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted the importance of unity, trust, solidarity, education, and networking in strengthening the cooperative movement for future generations.
“Cooperation among cooperatives is not just a principle — it is a survival strategy,” she declared.
The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment where participants sought practical clarification on cooperative management, networking, and investment opportunities.
During the retreat, the Administrative Manager of Owolowo Makun Sagamu Remo CTCU Limited Pastor Oluyiga Gbodi ficp, presented reports on the position of the societies, welfare packages, building shares, union shares, and investment opportunities under the Owo Group structure.
Awards were also presented to outstanding performing cooperative societies under the Owo Group network.
There was a Communiqué presentation by the Communiqué Committee Chairman, Mr. Meroyi Oludotun
The Vice President of the society, Pastor J. A. Oyesanya, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating guests, speakers, cooperative leaders, and participants for contributing to the success of the retreat.
Part of the Dignitaries at the event is Chief (Mrs). M. O. Osoare (Former President Owolowo Makun Sagamu Remo CMU Ltd); Chief (Mrs). C.F. Agunbiade (President Ogun State Cooperative Women's League); Mr. Otinwa Lanre Abraham ficp (President Ike - Oluwa Sagamu Cooperative Multipurpose Union Limited ); Circuit Auditor for Ijebu/Remo Zone, Mr. Adeleye Monday among others dignitaries.
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