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The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has been awarded the Most Outstanding Governor of the Year and conferred as Grand National Patron of the Cooperative Rating & Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN).

The Governor received the Award at the 5th National Cooperative Awards Dinner and Patrons Investiture Ceremony held at the NECA Event Center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, by the CRASoN.

The Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN) is a value-based Rating and Award Institution founded on the universal principles of cooperative and ethical values to monitor, track, evaluate, and report the economic performances and social impacts of Cooperative Societies with other initiatives geared to raise their profile to policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, development partners, governments and NGOs amongst all stakeholders.

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Prince Adebayo Ogungbangbe (fcssm), and Hon. Durojaye Isaac, the Special Adviser to the Governor, said Adeleke was found worthy of the awards due to his exemplary performances in assisting small-scale businesses through cooperative and empowerment programmes.

The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of the governor in the cooperative sector and recognised the dedication of patrons, underscoring the commitment of the Osun State government to cooperative development.
Ogungbangbe, in his address, described cooperatives as a major economic and nation-building organ that covered all areas of human endeavours, adding that the societies are democratically organized without any discrimination.

He said the impact of Cooperative societies is unparalleled, as evidenced in developed nations and fast-growing economies like Kenya and Egypt in Africa, stressing that his administration has partnered with the sector in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

“I am humbly honoured to be among the awardees along with the cooperative regulatory agency of government in my state. It is a known fact that our administration has come to give a humane face to democratic governance in our state.

“We are setting standards in bringing to the fore-front humanitarian services through the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment. Our approach is centered on proper coordination, creation of an enabling environment, compliance with statutory regulations, and provision of all assistance that will make the sector thrive,” he said.

The commissioner said Adeleke’s recent establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment was part of his recognition and nomination by the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria as the Most Outstanding Governor of the Year.

The Commissioner emphasised that cooperative enterprises are pivotal in creating sustainable livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and eradicating societal poverty.

He said the success record in the sector was due to the hard work and commitment of cooperative society stakeholders and his administration’s unwavering dedication to driving inclusive growth through cooperative society.

The award underscored Governor Adeleke’s unwavering commitment to fostering a cooperative-friendly environment and enhancing the State’s socio-economic development.

Recognising the immense contributions of cooperative societies in driving economic growth and eradicating poverty, the commissioner noted that Governor Adeleke has taken bold steps in institutionalising cooperative societies in the state.

“Governor Adeleke’s decision to establish the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment reflects his understanding of the significant impact that cooperative societies have on grassroots development.

“By institutionalising their presence within the government structure, the governor has shown his commitment to integrating cooperative principles and values into the fabric of governance and decision-making processes in Osun State.”

Ogungbangbe noted that the decision to honour Governor Adeleke with this esteemed award was unanimous, which aligns with his exceptional commitment to empowering local communities through cooperative enterprises.

“Under his visionary leadership, numerous cooperative societies have thrived, leading to an increase in economic participation, job creation, and improved living standards.”

In his response to the award, Adeleke expressed his gratitude to CRASoN, “I am honoured to receive this award as the Most Outstanding Governor of the Year and Patron.

“Cooperatives are an essential tool for empowering our people and fostering inclusive socio-economic development.

“This recognition will further motivate me and my team to continue our efforts in creating an enabling environment for cooperative growth and prosperity in Osun State.

“It is on this note that I would like to appreciate the program’s organizer for considering us worthy of this Award. I am honoured to identify with you, and I accepted the Award as the “Most Outstanding Governor of the Year and Grand Patron.”

Ogungbangbe affirmed the state government’s continued commitment to policy reforms, increased funding, and support for cooperative societies to further unlock their potential for socio-economic development.

Speaking, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CRASoN, Mr Victor Oyegoke, said Governor Ademola Adeleke is the only Governor who established a full-fledged ministry for Cooperative affairs in order to use it to drive his empowerment project for his people in Osun, which he described as a feat worthy of emulation for other governors to follow to aid the growth and development of Cooperative and empower his people.

The National Cooperative Award (CRASoN) 2024 edition will be hosted in Osun State.